Petersburg in Grant County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

War in Grant County

Engagement at Johnson Run

Photographed by Don Morfe, July 31, 2012

1. War in Grant County Marker

Inscription. During the Civil War, loyal Unionist Home Guard companies patrolled Hardy County (now Grant County) to defend it against Confederate incursions. Near here on Johnson Run on June 19, 1864, a mixed command that included men from several companies clashed with a detachment of Confederate Capt. John H. McNeill’s Rangers under Lt. Bernard J. Dolan.

The Union Home Guard unit was returning with supplies from New Creek Station (present day Keyser) on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad about 35 miles north of here. Despite the distance, the station was the closest railroad depot to Petersburg, and the guard periodically made the 70-mile roundtrip trek to obtain supplies. On June 19, the guardsmen encountered Dolan and his 25-man detachment posted near here east of the Petersburg and Franklin Road (today’s U.S. Route 220) and south of Johnson Run in woods near an old icehouse. A body of the Rangers charged, and the guard fell back to a hill to make a stand. During the ensuing fight, Dolan was killed, while Rangers killed four guards-men and took three prisoners. The guard successfully defended its wagon train and withdrew.

The next day, Lt. Adam Yokum led a detachment of the guard to the battleground and reoccupied the hill. The Rangers observed Yokum and his men, circled around behind the hill, and attacked the Union rear. Two

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Federals were killed and one wounded before the Rangers withdrew.

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 West Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1863.

Location. 38° 59.118′ N, 79° 7.5′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, West Virginia, in Grant County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street (U.S. 220) and C Street on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg WV 26847, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Eastern Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fairfax Line (approx. half a mile away); The Tannery in Petersburg, WV (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fort Mulligan (approx. 0.6 miles away); Maple Hill Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); A Strategic Location (approx. 1.3 miles away); Civil War Cannons (approx. 1.3 miles away); Parrott Rifle (approx. 1.3 miles away); Defending the Fort (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Petersburg (was approx. 0.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named Fort Mulligan (was approx. 0.6 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Don Morfe, July 31, 2012

2. War in Grant County Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,355 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on January 29, 2019, by Manuel J. Ortuno of Wacom, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 23, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.