Near Keslers Cross Lanes in Nicholas County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
The Battle of Carnifex Ferry
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 8, 2009
1. The Battle of Carnifex Ferry Marker
Seeking to gain a foothold in Western Virginia from which to conduct military operations, Gen. John B. Floyd, C.S.A. with approx. 1,800 troops established Camp Gauley here on the Patterson Farm about one mile from Carnifex Ferry.
Gen. William Rosecrans, U.S.A. with nearly 7,000 troops was ordered from Clarksburg to march on Floyd. It was the afternoon of Sept. 10, 1861 when the Federals came in sight of Camp Gauley and the battle commenced. Rosecrans used only part of his forces in the attack and the well entrenched Confederates were able to successfully drive back the Yankee troops. With darkness approaching, Rosecrans decided to wait until morning before launching a major offensive.
Gen. Floyd reassessed his situation and decided to withdraw across the river during the night rather than face a superior force in the morning. He accomplished this maneuver without alerting the Union troops. The following morning, the Federals moved into Camp Gauley without incident and a vital line was secured by the Union, thus enabling the movement for West Virginia statehood to proceed.
Although Gen. Rosecrans could rightfully claim victory, the North lost more men than the South in the battle. Federal casualties were over 130 with 28 killed while Southern losses were near 30 with no reported fatalities.
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Location. 38° 12.637′ N, 80° 56.527′ W. Marker is near Keslers Cross Lanes, West Virginia, in Nicholas County. It is on Carnifex Ferry Crossing Road. This historical marker is located on the actual site of the field of battle, and is situated between the Patterson House and the family well, on land that has been turned into a state park in order to preserve and honor the memory of the Civil War Battle of Carnifex Ferry. Perhaps the best course to travel to get to this historical marker is go to the intersection of US 19 and State Route 129 (located just south of Summerville West Virginia), then turn onto State Route 129 and west for about 6.0 miles (turning left/south onto the Carnifex Ferry Crossing road)before arriving at the state park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Keslers Cross Lanes WV 26675, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the New River Gorge and in Greater Charleston Area. 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: The Silent Witness (a few steps from this marker); Henry Patterson House (a few steps from this marker); "Follow Me My Men, Charge!" (within shouting distance of this marker); Friendly Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); Artillery Thunder (within shouting
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 8, 2009
2. The Battle of Carnifex Ferry Marker
View of the historical marker that is adjacent to the Henry Patterson well. The Union army's line of battle would have been on the rise beyond the well, facing the Henry Patterson House.
Also see . . .
1. Battle of Carnifex Ferry. Absolute Astronomy website entry (Submitted on July 17, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. West Virginia State Parks website entry (Submitted on July 17, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
3. The Battle of Carnifex Ferry Battlefield - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. West Virginia Division of Culture and History website entry (Submitted on July 17, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Additional commentary.
1. Henry Patteson's , not Henry Patterson's, House
An anonymous correspondent wrote to say that Henry's name is misspelled on the marker. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted May 24, 2011.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 8, 2009
3. The Battle of Carnifex Ferry,
View of the Henry Patterson House at the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. The Confederate entrenched positions (Camp Gauley) were to the left of the house, the advancing Federal line of battle was on the right of the house, on the rise beyond the well.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 8, 2009
4. The Battle of Carnifex Ferry Marker
View of the location of the Confederate entrenched positions at Camp Gauley.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,380 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 17, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
