Near Mechanicsburg in Hampshire County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
An Outpost in Enemy Territory
Eastern West Virginia was a hotly contested guerilla area during the Civil War, and Fort Mill Ridge was an isolated outpost. Surprise attack could come from any direction.
While patrols and picket duty were usually tedious and uneventful, sudden attack by raiding parties or bushwackers could occur at any time. The rugged nature of the terrain made ambushes easy and pursuit difficult.
During the period that Fort Mill Ridge was occupied, the primary base for Confederate operations was Rockingham County in the southeastern Shenandoah Valley. From this base, Confederates launched raids into West Virginia. Two primary raids were undertaken in the spring of 1863.
Well Anne I have just com off of dress praid and I will finish your letter. we drill one hour every morning before breckfist. we ar on gard every third day. I guess they ar about dun with the fort and the intrenchments, then our deuty wont bee so heavy.
June 6, 1863 letter of Private Joshua Winters.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1862.
Location. 39° 19.407′ N, 78° 47.601′ W. Marker is near Mechanicsburg, West Virginia, in Hampshire County. Marker can be reached from Fort Mill Ridge Park Road, on the right when traveling east. Located at trail stop 7 on the tour of Fort Mill Ridge Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Burlington WV 26710, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Engagement with McNeill's Rangers (within shouting distance of this marker); Interior of the Central Redoubt (within shouting distance of this marker); The Central Redoubt (within shouting distance of this marker); Control of the Mechanicsburg Gap (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Construction of Fort Mill Ridge (about 300 feet away); The Great Raid (about 300 feet away); Abandonment of Fort Mill Ridge (about 400 feet away); The Civil War in the South Branch Valley (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mechanicsburg.
More about this marker. On the upper left is a wartime sketch of picket duty on the Northwest Turnpike east of Romney by Alfred Waud. On the right is a photo of a Yankee forager with rebel chickens.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 958 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 13, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.