Near Keslers Cross Lanes in Nicholas County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Carnefix Ferry
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 8, 2009
1. Carnefix Ferry Marker
The Civil War battle fought here on September 10, 1861 was named by the Union army after a nearby river ferry. Even though it was over a mile downstream, the ferry was the closest well-known landmark. Constructed by William Carnefix in the early 1800's, the ferry provided an important link between the James River & Kanawha Turnpike, now Rt. 60, and the Gauley & Weston Turnpike, now part of Rts. 39 & 19. The spelling of the name Carnifex has varied over the years. The heading above is the spelling found on the gravestone of Mr. Carnefix who died in 1856.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1897.
Location. 38° 12.419′ N, 80° 56.331′ W. Marker is near Keslers Cross Lanes, West Virginia, in Nicholas County. Marker is on Carnifex Ferry Crossing Road, 1.3 miles south of State Route 129, on the right when traveling west. This historical marker is located on the actual site of the field of battle, on land that has been turned into a state park in order to preserve and honor the memory of the Civil War Battle of Carnifex Ferry. Perhaps the best course to travel to get to this historical marker is go to the intersection of US 19 and State Route 129 (located just south of Summerville West Virginia), then turn onto State Route
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Carnifex Ferry (a few steps from this marker); Old Ferry Road (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Soldier's Recollection (approx. 0.2 miles away); Camp Gauley (approx. 0.2 miles away); Artillery Thunder (approx. ¼ mile away); Friendly Fire (approx. 0.3 miles away); Henry Patterson House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Silent Witness (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Keslers Cross Lanes.
Also see . . .
1. Battle of Carnifex Ferry. Absolute Astronomy website entry (Submitted on July 15, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. West Virginia State Parks website entry (Submitted on July 15, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
3. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. West Virginia Division of Culture and History website entry (Submitted on July 15, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 8, 2009
2. Carnefix Ferry Marker
View of the historical marker in the left foreground and in the background is the rim of the Gauley River gorge that the Carnefix Ferry crossed.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 8, 2009
3. Carnefix Ferry
View of the Gauley River, as seen from the rim where the "Carnefix Ferry" historical marker is located.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 8, 2009
4. Carnefix Ferry Battlefield
View of the nearby "Carnifex Ferry" historical marker overlooking the field of battle.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 879 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 15, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
