Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Battle of Kanawha Gap

By J. J. Prats, July 15, 2019

1. Battle of Kanawha Gap Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On September 25, 1861, Col. Piatt’s Zouaves of the 34th Ohio marched on Confederate positions around Chapmanville. The Logan militia under Col. J. W. Davis harassed Piatt in the hours preceding his arrival at the Rebel entrenchments but was unable to repel the Zouave advance. After Davis fell wounded, his men retreated in disarray. Col. Davis was captured, then paroled.

Erected 2016 by West Virginia Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list.

Location. 37° 58.478′ N, 82° 0.864′ W. Marker is in Chapmanville, West Virginia, in Logan County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 119 Ramp to Crawley Road and WV 10 and U.S. 119, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 119 Ramp to Crawley Road and WV 10. It is at the Park & Ride lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chapmanville WV 25508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Logan County / Lincoln County

By J. J. Prats, July 15, 2019

2. Battle of Kanawha Gap Marker

(approx. 3.4 miles away); Chief Logan's Speech (approx. 5.6 miles away); Aunt Jenny Wilson (approx. 5.6 miles away); Logan County Coal Miners Memorial (approx. 5.6 miles away); Tom "Rose" Tomblin (approx. 5.7 miles away); The Courthouse Bell (approx. 5.7 miles away); Chesapeake and Ohio Kanawha (approx. 5.7 miles away); Chesapeake & Ohio 2755 Steam Locomotive (approx. 5.7 miles away).

Also see . . . Clio entry for this historic site. Excerpt:

The rebels, terrified by the strange bravery and almost wild enthusiasm that were exhibited by each advancing column, ran in confusion, leaving their dead, wounded, clothing, guns, horses, &c., making their escape by Capt. Rathbone's right, his company being too far up the mountain to cut off their retreat. Among interesting objects captured was a genuine secession flag, captured by Lieut. Brown. Col. Davis of North Carolina was captured and paroled.

Now all that is left of the site is a park and ride that sits above the little town.

(Submitted on August 28, 2019.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 136 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 28, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.