Near Keslers Cross Lanes in Nicholas County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Friendly Fire

Photographed by Craig Doda, December 22, 2019

1. Friendly Fire Marker

Inscription. Late in the afternoon, as part of an attempt to make a coordinated attack on the Rebel line, several Federal units under the command of Col. William S. Smith were ordered deep into this ravine known as Pierson Hollow. The plan was called off though because of the fading daylight. Confused, tired, and traveling in darkness while in the thick woods, members of the 13th and 23rd Ohio mistakenly fired upon the 28th Ohio. Two soldiers were killed and some 30 men wounded.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 38° 12.633′ N, 80° 56.483′ W. Marker is near Keslers Cross Lanes, West Virginia, in Nicholas County. It is on Carnifex Ferry Crossing (County Route 23) one mile south of Summersville Lake Road, on the left when traveling south. On the grounds of the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1194 Carnifex Ferry Crossing, Summersville WV 26651, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the New River Gorge

and in Greater Charleston Area.

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It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern 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 walking distance of this marker: Henry Patterson House (within shouting distance of this marker); Artillery Thunder (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Carnifex Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); The Silent Witness (within shouting distance of this marker); "Follow Me My Men, Charge!" (within shouting distance of this marker); Journey's End (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camp Gauley (about 600 feet away); A Soldier's Recollection (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Keslers Cross Lanes.

Also see . . .
1. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park (West Virginia State Parks). (Submitted on March 30, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)
2. 28th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Civil War in the East).

Photographed by Craig Doda, December 22, 2019

2. Friendly Fire Marker

(Submitted on March 30, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)

Photographed by Craig Doda, December 22, 2019

3. Friendly Fire Marker

Photographed by Craig Doda, December 22, 2019

4. Friendly Fire Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 440 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on March 26, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 19, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.