General George B. McClellan

Rich Mountain Battlefield

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 11, 2009

1. General George B. McClellan Marker

Inscription. General McClellan marched three brigades of Federal troops into position along nearby Roaring Creek. He ordered a strong scouting party up this road to test the Camp Garnett defenses on July 10, 1861. Withering infantry and artillery fire from the Confederate fortifications convinced McClellan that a direct attack was folly. Instead he plotted to strike Camp Garnett from two directions.

"I have been looking at the camps with my glass - they are strongly entrenched..."
George McClellan

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 10, 1861.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 38° 52.214′ N, 79° 57.362′ W. Marker was near Mabie, West Virginia, in Randolph County. It was on Rich Mountain Road / Files Creek Road (County Route 37/8), on the right when traveling west. Located in the Rich Mountain Battlefield's Camp Garnett section. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Mabie WV 26278, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike (within shouting distance of this marker); Fortifications (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Camp Garnett (about 400 feet away);

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Battle of Rich Mountain (approx. 1.2 miles away); Rich Mountain (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Rich Mountain (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Stable Yard (approx. 1.2 miles away); General William S. Rosecrans (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mabie.

Other markers no longer nearby. Camp Garnett (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Artillery (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Welcome to Rich Mountain Battlefield (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. On the left is a sketch depicting Federal troops on the march. On the lower right is a portrait of McClellan. Major General George B. McClellan, USA, a West Point graduate of great promise, rose to stardom here as the "Young Napoleon." He proved indecisive in battle, however, and relied on a flank march by Gen. W.S. Rosecrans to defeat the Confederates.

Also see . . . General George B. McClellan. Biography from the Rich

Photographed by Craig Swain, October 11, 2009

2. General George B. McClellan Marker

Mountain Battlefield site. (Submitted on October 25, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

General George B. McClellan Marker Missing image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025

3. General George B. McClellan Marker Missing

Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,213 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 25, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on February 5, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.