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

The Stable Yard

Rich Mountain Battlefield

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

1. The Stable Yard Marker

Inscription. Here in the stable yard, Confederate forces made their stand. A small log stable was the focal point of action. Large foundation stones still mark its location. A lone Confederate cannon stood beside the stable, blasting furiously during the battle. Young Southerners faced their first fire against overwhelming odds, yet drove back two Federal assaults before giving way.

"As regiment after regiment of the enemy came into view, our small force saw it had heavy work..."
Confederate Captain David Curry

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

Location. 38° 51.975′ N, 79° 56.033′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. 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 west. 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 location: Battle of Rich Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Rich Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); General William S. Rosecrans (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Rich Mountain

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Hart House (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. On the left is a sketch depicting a scene from the battle. Confederate defenders took shelter behind the stable and among the large bounders around you. On the right is a photo of a carving on a boulder. After the war, veterans carved names of fallen comrades on nearby rocks. Clay Jackson, a young private in the Upshur Grays, 25th Virginia Infantry, was killed in the first burst of fire. To preserve carvings, please do not touch or rub them.

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 11, 2009

2. The Stable Yard Marker

Boulders in the Stable Yard Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 11, 2009

3. Boulders in the Stable Yard Area

Boulders such as these allowed the Confederates to form a defensive position.

Rock Carving image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 11, 2009

4. Rock Carving

Despite the warnings, some visitors use chalk to highlight the carvings. Seen here, in red chalk is one such inscription - Clay Jackson shot and killed here in 1861.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,313 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 5, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.