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Philippi in Barbour County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
 

The "Philippi Races"

Confederates Flee

 
 
The "Philippi Races" Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Bradley Owen, November 29, 2022
1. The "Philippi Races" Marker
Inscription.
As Union soldiers entered the town, Virginia troops came pouring out of Philippi's streets, alleys, and buildings, some getting dressed as they ran.

The Confederates were soon streaming past this location as they fled to Beverly. Northern journalists dubbed the mass exodus the "Philippi Races." The Union troops were so worn out by their marches to Philippi that they did not pursue Porterfield's men.

Compared to later battles in the Civil War, Philippi was a skirmish. Casualties were light, four Union soldiers and 26 Confederates.

But the fight did have significance. Coming only days before the Second Wheeling Convention, the Union victory helped ensure that body's nullification of the Order of Secession, which led to West Virginia statehood in 1863.

Federal troops would remain to occupy the town, and by the end of June 1861 there were about 4,000 Union troops here. Within two years, armed men would again charge through Philippi during the 1863 Jones-Imboden raid.

"We marched to Beverly the same day, a distance of 38 miles. We were much exhausted. When we arrived, my cousin Will Jarvis and myself ... immediately laid ourselves down on the naked floor of the hall and soundly slept, our canteens serving us for pillows."
— Virginia soldier James E. Hall describes the
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Philippi Races

(Caption)
Union Col. Benjamin Kelley was shot early in the fight, and widely reported dead, but he survived and would end the war a general. In honor of his role in the battle, he was gifted this horse, named "Philippi." Courtesy West Virginia University Libraries, WV History OnView

 
Erected 2022 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 1861.
 
Location. 39° 9.06′ N, 80° 2.258′ W. Marker is in Philippi, West Virginia, in Barbour County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street (U.S. 250) and School Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 114 South Main Street, Philippi WV 26416, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Philippi School Cornerstone (here, next to this marker); Site of Army of Occupation Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Place Where Kelley was Shot (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Headquarters (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Philippi
The "Philippi Races" Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Bradley Owen, November 29, 2022
2. The "Philippi Races" Marker
(about 600 feet away); Barbour County Korean War Memorial (about 600 feet away); Heroes of World War II ☆ Honor Roll (about 700 feet away); Barbour County War Memorial (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philippi.
 
More about this marker. Marker is #5 of 5 on the Civil War Trails walking tour in Philippi.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on December 8, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 29, 2024