Near Beverly in Randolph County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Battle of Rich Mountain

Rich Mountain Battlefield

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

1. Battle of Rich Mountain Marker

Inscription. The battle was fought in this pass along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. Union forces led by General William S. Rosecrans stormed down the hill behind you. Confederates on guard here took cover behind log breastworks, farm buildings and large rocks in the stable yard across the road. Federal soldiers were held back by fire from infantry and single cannon. After three hours of fighting, the larger Federal force charged and captured the cannon, scattering Confederate defenders through the woods.

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

Location. 38° 51.959′ N, 79° 56.046′ W. Marker is near Beverly, West Virginia, in Randolph County. It is on Rich Mountain Road / Files Creek Road (County Route 37/8), on the right when traveling east. Located in the Rich Mountain Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Beverly WV 26253, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands.

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: Rich Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stable Yard (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Rich Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); General William S. Rosecrans (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hart House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Hart Spring House (within shouting distance of this marker); Rich Mountain / Hart House (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Old Hart House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beverly.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Welcome to Rich Mountain Battlefield (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. In the upper right is a drawing depicting the Battle of Rich Mountain, July 11, 1861. On the lower left is a newspaper headline with the caption, General McClellan's electrifying telegrams of victory made him a star - the North's first battlefield hero, leading to his appointment as commander of all Union armies.

Also see . . . The Battle of Rich Mountain. An overview of the battlefield. (Submitted on October 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 11, 2009

2. Battle of Rich Mountain Marker

Rich Mountain Battlefield image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 11, 2009

3. Rich Mountain Battlefield

The path of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike passes on the left of this view. After flanking Confederate positions by a flank march to the south, forces led by General Rosecrans attacked near this point, overtaking the Confederate rear guard.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,732 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 6, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.