Civil War Sites


     The Civil War was an integral part of Randolph County and West Virginia history.  Click on the picture to the left for a unique look into a local connection to Civil War actions. 
     On July 11, 1861, in one of the earliest engagements of the Civil War, Union troops under the command of General George McClellan routed the Confederates holding the pass over Rich Mountain near Beverly, WV. This victory gave the Union control of what was known as northwestern Virginia and allowed these western counties to form the government that led to the new state of West Virginia.
     At Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site, five miles west of Beverly, you can see the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike and the pass where this valiant fight took place. At the nearby Camp Garnett are remains of earthworks from one of the earliest encampments of the war. This site is free and open to the public, and brochures are available.
     The Battle of Rich Mountain Reenactment will be held at the site July 10 & 11, 1999 and repeated in alternate years.
    Also visit the Rich Mountain Visitor Center in Beverly, in the McClellan's Headquarters building. Here you will find information, displays, and a gift shop.
     Also overlooking the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike at nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, Cheat Summit Fort was the highest Federal Civil War fortification in the east. Under orders from McClellan, it was designed to prevent Confederate excursions across the Alleghenies. Robert E. Lee's forces unsuccessfully attacked on September 12 - 13, 1861. The weather, though, proved to be the most formidable enemy of the troops stationed here. Snow was reported as early as August and the nearly constant rain and cold caused outbreaks of disease resulting in scores of deaths. Skirmishes with local partisans and battles with the weather resulted in Federal setbacks and the fort was permanently abandoned in April 1862.
     Today, Cheat Summit Fort is administered by the USDA Forest Service, with trails through the fortifications, interpretive signs, brochure and an overlook. It can be reached from U.S. Route 250 south off Cheat Bridge. For more information call the Monongahela National Forest 304.636.1800.
     Rich Mountain Battlefield, Cheat Summit Fort, Historic Beverly, and a variety of other historic sites are connected by the Stauton-Parkersburg Turnpike Byway and Backways. For more information about the Byway and it's historic and natural attractions, contact the Rich Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center. The Center, located on Files Creek Road in Beverly, has information about the Byway and area historic sites. It is open 11am - 4pm M-F off season, and noon - 6pm Tues - Sunday in the summer. Call 304.636.RICH, or check out our website at www.richmountain.org.Brochures are available from the Randolph County Tourist Center on these sites, as well as re-enactments, and other historic sites and events.