|
| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Philippi in Barbour County, West Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic) |
Philippi
The Confederate Retreat
— The First Campaign —
|
| | | | 
By Craig Swain, July 24, 2010 | |
| | | 1. Philippi Marker | | |
Inscription. Col. George A. Porterfield moved his newly recruited Confederates from Grafton on May 28, 1861, after receiving word of a Federal advance on the B&O Railroad. Porterfield's force a Philippi totaled no more than 775 volunteers. Few were fully trained and all were poorly equipped.
Although the little town was "friendly country," upon learning of the Federal advance,Porterfield advised his officers to be ready to retreat south to Beverly on the morning of June 3 for there would be no advance in the heavy rain and lightning on the night of June 2. Confederate pickets returned to their quarters.
The Federal attack before dawn on the morning of June 3 caught them by surprise. Porterfield's men fled from town in the so-called "Philippi Races." The Confederates regrouped just south of town and marched in orderly fashion to Beverly.
"[Philippi] will be a lesson to be remembered by the army through the war."
-Maj. Gen. Robert E. Lee, Commanding Virginia Militia
Mrs. George Whitescarver of Pruntytown, whose husband was with the Confederates in Philippi, brought news of the Federal plans to Col. Porterfield on June 2. She was one of several female spies who gave information to Porterfield.
Erected by West Virginia Civil War Trails.
Marker series. This marker is included in the | | | | 
By Craig Swain, July 24, 2010 | |
| | | 2. Area Civil War Sites | | |
West Virginia Civil War Trails marker series.
Location. 39° 9.177′ N, 80° 2.553′ W. Marker is in Philippi, West Virginia, in Barbour County. Marker is on Main Street (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling east. Click for map. Located in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park. Marker is in this post office area: Philippi WV 26416, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Covered Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Barbour County Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); The Philippi Covered Bridge (about 400 feet away, in a direct line); a different marker also named Philippi (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Philippi (approx. 0.2 miles away); Barbour County War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Philippi (approx. 0.2 miles away); Barbour County Korean War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Philippi. |
| | | | 
By Craig Swain, July 24, 2010 | |
| | | 3. Philippi Marker | | |
|
Credits. This page originally submitted on July 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 771 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
| | Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print |
|
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org