Bulltown in Braxton County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Route to Fortifications–Lower Trenches
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 2, 2026
1. Route to Fortifications–Lower Trenches Marker
On the evening of October 12, 1863, Confederate troops under the command of Colonel William L. Jackson arrived at Falls Mill on the Little Kanawha River a few miles from Bulltown. Union estimates of their number ranged from 700 to 1,000.
Jackson divided his troops into two attack groups, one under his own command, the other under the command of Major J. M. Kessler, and planned a simultaneous assault on these Union-held fortifications. Kessler, however, after cutting off the Union pickets and taking some of them prisoner, apparently did not wait for the prearranged signal for the assault–a single 12-pound howitzer shot from Captain Warren S. Lurty’s Virginia “Jack Ass” Battery–and advanced his troops at 4:30 the next morning.
The Confederates made their way along the path you are now following, toward the main fortifications, and first attacked Union troops asleep in the lower trenches. The would-be surprise attack was ruined, however, when one of Kessler’s officers prematurely announced their arrival by firing his revolver and shouting “Charge!” The startled Union troops first attempted to defend their positions,
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is October 12, 1863.
Location. 38° 47.543′ N, 80° 33.799′ W. Marker is in Bulltown, West Virginia, in Braxton County. It is at the intersection of Bulltown Campground Road and Millstone Run Road, on the right when traveling west on Bulltown Campground Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 56 Bulltown Campground Rd, Napier WV 26631, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia. 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: Veterans Memorial
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 2, 2026
2. Route to Fortifications–Lower Trenches Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
