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Union in Monroe County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
 

Crook's Occupation of Union

Confederate Union under Federal Control

 
 
Crook's Occupation of Union Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 6, 2012
1. Crook's Occupation of Union Marker
Inscription. In May 1864, as Union Gen. George Crook led his force through Union on a Sunday morning after his victory at Cloyd’s Mountain, VA., on May 9, “there was a Sabbath stillness, scarcely anyone to be seen.” Although some of the Federals thought that Union was especially pious village and everyone was in church, in fact, many residents had fled to the Knobs (the hills above the town) with their livestock and other property. “Everyone was collecting their little valuables, and racking their brain to find some place of concealment where the cunning Yankees would not think of searching,” Union resident Isabella Caperton wrote.

The “10,000 men, 200 wagons, 35 ambulances, 213 prisoners, {and} over 100 negroes” of Crook’s army took six and a half hours to march through town and spread out for miles to camp and forage. The population of Monroe County was less than half the size of the army that occupied Union. Future presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley both marched through. Hayes referred to the town as “the fine village of Union.”

Gen. William W. Averell, who had decided not to attack the salt works at Saltville, VA., after he heard that they were strongly defended, joined Crook here. Their meeting was the culmination of a wide-ranging raid that destroyed a Confederate
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supply depot in Dublin, VA., the railroad bridge spanning the New River, and several sections of railroad track. The cavalrymen remained in town for five days, liberating slaves and Unionists.
 
Erected by West Virginia Civil War Trails.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #25 William McKinley, and the West Virginia Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1864.
 
Location. 37° 35.466′ N, 80° 32.592′ W. Marker is in Union, West Virginia, in Monroe County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 219) and Nota Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Union WV 24983, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Porcher Miles (a few steps from this marker); General John Echols (within shouting distance of this marker); Union (within shouting distance of this marker); Bishop Matthew W. Clair, Sr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chapman House (about 400 feet away); Gen. John Echols House (about 600 feet away); Union College (about 700 feet away); Union Presbyterian Church (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 653 times since then and 18 times this year. Photo   1. submitted on September 7, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 28, 2024