Spencer in Roane County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
U. S. Civil War
1861 – 1865
In the Fall of 1862, Roane County saw its first significant battle of the Civil War. Colonel J. C. Rathbone, with four companies of the 11th West Virginia Union Infantry, arrived to protect the town of Spencer. General Albert G. Jenkins, with a company of 500 Confederates, advanced from Weston. Colonel Rathbone surrendered the town to General Jenkins, who took possession “in the name of Jefferson Davis and the Southern Confederacy.” Jenkins and his army headed west after surrender. Rathbone and his men were paroled, promising not to bear arms against the South for thirty days. As soon as Jenkins left, Captain Sympson and his troops of the 11th Regiment, who had escaped towards Reedy, returned to recapture Spencer for the Union. The State Guard fought the first and last battle in Roane County.
While several were wounded, only two persons were killed in the Battle of Spencer. Sanford Boon of the State Guards was killed while high up in the cupola of the court house and Sergeant William Pool of Rathbone’s men was shot while superintending throwing up breast works.
Erected 1995 by a joint project of the Little Kanawha Resource, Conservation and Development Council, the Spencer Rotary Club, and several veterans groups.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 38° 48.113′ N, 81° 21.022′ W. Marker is in Spencer, West Virginia, in Roane County. Marker is on Main Street (U.S. 33), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spencer WV 25276, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Spencer (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Spencer (here, next to this marker); Capturing Spencer (here, next to this marker); Capture of Spencer (a few steps from this marker); Col. Ruby G. Bradley (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Spencer (within shouting distance of this marker); Robey Theater and Knights of Pythias Lodge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Roane County Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spencer.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,454 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 28, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 2. submitted on September 13, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on November 28, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.