A Key to Victory

— The First Campaign —

On the nearby heights, Confederate General Robert Garnett's Army of Northwestern Virginia built fortifications to defend the Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike in June 1861. Many received their baptism of fire here as Garnett's 4,000 Confederates skirmished with an equal force under General Thomas A. Morris on July 7-11, 1861.

While Moris feigned attack, Federal troops under Major General George McClellan defeated Confederates at Rich Mountain, 15 miles south. With the enemy now threatening his front and rear, Garnett retreated on the night of July 11, leaving barricades to slow the Federals. His army fled east to Corricks Ford, Tucker County, where pursuing Federals captured Confederate supply wagons and killed General Garnett.

The engagement at Laurel Hill was a key to Union General McClellan's success in the first campaign. Retreat from this area resulted in the loss of Western Virginia for the Confederacy.

"My only apprehension is that by the guidance of Uion men of the neighborhood they might get in my rear by some path unknown to me."
- Confederate General Robert S. Garnett

"We are situated on hills along both sides of the turnpike, as that is the only way the enemy can advance."
- Clayton Wilson, 1st Georgia Infantry, C.S.A.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Belington, WV  |  Barbour County  |  26250  |  West Virginia  |  United States of America

Camp Belington
Meadowville
Civil War on the Beverly & Fairmont Turnpike
Battle of Laurel Hill
Cannons
Confederate Cemetery
Laurel Hill
Camp Laurel Hill
Civil War
Forced Flight

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.