Scherr near Keyser in Grant County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

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Greenland Gap Engagement

"Fight to the last crust or cartridge"

— Jones - Imboden Raid —

Greenland Gap Engagement Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 14, 2017

1. Greenland Gap Engagement Marker

Inscription.

Greenland Gap Engagement. "Fight to the last crust or cartridge". , On April 20, 1863, Confederate Gens. William E. "Grumble" Jones and John D. Imboden began a raid on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Virginia through present-day West Virginia. Taking separate routes, they later reported that they marched 1,100 miles, fought several engagements, captured 700 Federals, seized about 1,200 horses and 4,000 cattle, and burned 4 turnpike bridges, more than 20 railroad bridges, 2 trains, and 150,000 barrels of oil. Most bridges were soon repaired. Confederate losses were slight. By May 26, both commands returned to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley., Confederate Gen. William E. Jones and about 2,500 cavalrymen approached Greenland Gap on April 25, 1863. They were en route to Rowlesburg to destroy the Cheat River and Tray Run bridges there. If successful, they would halt rail traffic between Rowlesburg and the Ohio River., Union Capt. Martin Wallace's Co. G, 23rd Illinois Infantry, occupied the gap, reinforced with Capt. Jacob Smith's detachment from Co. A, 14th West Virginia Infantry. The Federals held the two-story log Dunkard church and two other nearby dwellings, declaring that they would "fight to the last crust or cartridge." When a Confederate came to Wallace with a flag of truce to demand surrender because Jones's force numbered in the thousands, Wallace replied, "Go back with rag; I do not care if he has a million; I will not surrender until compelled." Not until the Confederates set the church afire did he surrender (all of the Federals were exchanged by October). Their stubborn resistance delayed Jones's column and enabled some of the Federal officers to warn the garrison at Rowlesburg of the impending threat. Later, at Rowlesburg, Jones's attack was repulsed, and the Cheat River and Tray Run bridges were saved.,

"I have fears for New Creek to-day. An infantry company from that post, guarding Greenland Gap, was attacked yesterday by the advance of Jones, 2,000 cavalry, and fought from 4 P.M. until dark. Still holding the position, but the rebels have probably come up in force to-day, bringing artillery." , , Union Gen. Robert C. Schenck, April 26, 1863

On April 20, 1863, Confederate Gens. William E. "Grumble" Jones and John D. Imboden began a raid on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Virginia through present-day West Virginia. Taking separate routes, they later reported that they marched 1,100 miles, fought several engagements, captured 700 Federals, seized about 1,200 horses and 4,000 cattle, and burned 4 turnpike bridges, more than 20 railroad bridges, 2 trains, and 150,000 barrels of oil. Most bridges were soon repaired. Confederate losses were slight. By May 26, both commands returned to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.

Confederate Gen. William E. Jones and about 2,500 cavalrymen approached Greenland Gap on April 25, 1863. They were en route to Rowlesburg to destroy the Cheat River and Tray Run bridges there. If successful, they would halt rail traffic between Rowlesburg and the Ohio River.

Union Capt. Martin Wallace's Co. G, 23rd Illinois Infantry, occupied the gap, reinforced with Capt. Jacob Smith's detachment from Co. A, 14th West Virginia Infantry. The Federals held the two-story log Dunkard church and two other nearby dwellings, declaring that they would "fight to the last crust or cartridge." When a Confederate came to Wallace with a flag of truce to demand surrender because Jones's force numbered in the thousands, Wallace replied,

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"Go back with rag; I do not care if he has a million; I will not surrender until compelled." Not until the Confederates set the church afire did he surrender (all of the Federals were exchanged by October). Their stubborn resistance delayed Jones's column and enabled some of the Federal officers to warn the garrison at Rowlesburg of the impending threat. Later, at Rowlesburg, Jones's attack was repulsed, and the Cheat River and Tray Run bridges were saved.

"I have fears for New Creek to-day. An infantry company from that post, guarding Greenland Gap, was attacked yesterday by the advance of Jones, 2,000 cavalry, and fought from 4 P.M. until dark. Still holding the position, but the rebels have probably come up in force to-day, bringing artillery."
—Union Gen. Robert C. Schenck, April 26, 1863

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 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), and the West Virginia Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1863.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 11.607′ N, 79° 10.205′

Church Present At Time Of The Battle image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 14, 2017

2. Church Present At Time Of The Battle

Located within shouting distance of the marker on Presbyterian Church Road.

W. Marker was near Keyser, West Virginia, in Grant County. It was in Scherr. Marker was at the intersection of Laurel Dale Road (West Virginia Route 93) and Presbyterian Church Road (County Route 1), on the right when traveling south on Laurel Dale Road. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Maysville WV 26833, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Greenland Gap Engagement (here, next to this marker); Greenland Gap (here, next to this marker); Jarboe's Blockhouse (approx. 6.6 miles away); In Honor (approx. 6.7 miles away); Honor Roll (approx. 6.9 miles away); Vincent Williams (approx. 7.7 miles away); Nancy Hanks (approx. 8.6 miles away); Mineral County / Grant County (approx. 8.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Keyser.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Thi marker has been replaced by the linked marker which had slightly different content.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 27, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.