Philippi in Barbour County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Philippi
The Confederate Retreat
— The First Campaign —
Although the little town was "friendly country," upon learning of the Federal advance,Porterfield advised his officers to be ready to retreat south to Beverly on the morning of June 3 for there would be no advance in the heavy rain and lightning on the night of June 2. Confederate pickets returned to their quarters.
The Federal attack before dawn on the morning of June 3 caught them by surprise. Porterfield's men fled from town in the so-called "Philippi Races." The Confederates regrouped just south of town and marched in orderly fashion to Beverly.
"[Philippi] will be a lesson to be remembered by the army through the war."
-Maj. Gen. Robert E. Lee, Commanding Virginia Militia
Mrs. George Whitescarver of Pruntytown, whose husband was with the Confederates in Philippi, brought news of the Federal plans to Col. Porterfield on June 2. She was one of several female spies who gave information to Porterfield.
Erected by West Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 3, 1861.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 9.177′ N, 80° 2.553′ W. Marker was in Philippi, West Virginia, in Barbour County. Marker was on Main Street (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling east. Located in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Philippi WV 26416, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. "Ruinous Effect of War" (here, next to this marker); The Covered Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Barbour County Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Philippi Mummies (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the Sago Miners (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Philippi Covered Bridge (about 400 feet away); First Battle of a Long War (about 400 feet away); Confederate Escape (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philippi.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New CWT Marker At This Location titled "Ruinous Effect of War".
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,559 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on December 4, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.