Beverly in Randolph County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Occupied Beverly
Caught in the Midst of Conflict
Photographed by Mark P Brock-Cancellieri, July 20, 2024
1. Occupied Beverly Marker
Life in Beverly changed after the Union victory at Rich Mountain on July 11, 1861
Many Southern sympathizers fled south. Townspeople who remained resented the hardships of Union occupation. Travel was restricted, soldiers were boarded in homes, and property was seized by the troops. Despite the hardships, Laura Jackson Arnold, Stonewall Jackson's Unionist sister, cared for the sick and wounded soldiers of both armies.
The Union Army recognized the strategic importance of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike
Federal troops largely maintained their control of the turnpike crossroads at Beverly, but Confederate forces challenged Union possession of Beverly in four significant raids. Only the first and last raids succeeded.
★ Jones-Imboden Raid - April 24, 1863
Gen. John Imboden's cavalry drove out Union Co. George Latham's garrison and occupied Beverly for five days.
★ Col. William L. Jackson's Raid - July 2, 1863
Jackson tried to take the town from Union forces under Col. Thomas Harris, but was repulsed at Mt. Iser.
★ Capt. Hannibal Hill's Raid - October 29, 1864
Hill's 62nd Virginia Mounted Infantry struck Beverly before dawn, but found Union troops already in line for roll call.The defenders drove off Hill's force in a fierce engagement.
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★ Gen. Thomas L. Rosser's Raid - January 11, 1865
Rosser rode to Beverly from Staunton, Virginia, through winter snow and ice. He seized horses, rations, arms and hundreds of Union prisoners.
[Timeline:]
July 11, 1861: Battle of Rich Mountain
April 26, 1863: Jones-Imboden Raid
July 2, 1863: Jackson's Raid
October 29, 1864: Hill's Raid
January 11, 1865: Rosser's Raid
April 9, 1865: Surrender at Appomattox
[Caption:]
Stonewall Jackson's nephew, T. J. Arnold, later wrote about witnessing Rosser's Raid:
"the fight hardly lasted longer than half an hour, and was a complete Confederate success. The Federals such as were not captured, retreated, fighting, though the streets of Beverly and across the bridge on the road leading to Buckhannon."
Erected by Rich Mountain Battlefield.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is January 11, 1865.
Location. 38° 50.462′ N, 79° 52.524′ W. Marker is in Beverly, West Virginia, in Randolph County
Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 4, 2025
2. Occupied Beverly Marker
Marker is the second one from the right.
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: Beverly (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Beverly (here, next to this marker); The First Campaign (here, next to this marker); Blackman-Bosworth Store (a few steps from this marker); 1813 Randolph County Jail (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Beverly (a few steps from this marker); Robert Foyles & Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Beverly Public Square (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beverly.
Other markers no longer nearby. Occupied Beverly (has been replaced with this marker); Randolph Co Jail - 1813 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2025, by Mark P. Brock-Cancellieri of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 26, 2024, by Mark P. Brock-Cancellieri of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on February 5, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
