Cheat Bridge in Randolph County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Astride the Road from Nowhere
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, August 8, 2012
1. Astride the Road From Nowhere Marker
"Our tents were pitched on a rocky point with a fine forest on every side and a magnificent view of the Alleghenies on front of us, a beautiful romantic, though desolate spot." - William Houghton, 14th Indiana Infantry, July 16, 186 Indiana Historical SocietyThe primeval wilds of Cheat Mountain greeted Union soldiers. The land was dominated by tall red spruce and impenetrable rhododendron thickets. Federal troops built the fort on the appropriated farm of Southern sympathizer Mathias White. Awe of their surroundings was soon replaced by the drudgery and monotony of camp life.
Heavy rains regularly reduced roads and campgrounds to deep mud. The constant dampness destroyed soldier’s clothes and tents, and provisions were often in short supply. Disease and body lice were rampant throughout the camp; those patrolling outside the walls risked attack from guerrillas. An instance of mutiny arose among some men. The winter of 1861-1862 brought deadly cold and heavy snow, isolating the fort.
Erected by US Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in
this page online
Location. 38° 37.368′ N, 79° 52.757′ W. Marker is in Cheat Bridge, West Virginia, in Randolph County. Marker can be reached from County Route 250/4, 1.1 miles west of U.S. 250. Located in Fort Milroy. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huttonsville WV 26273, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Guarding the Turnpike (here, next to this marker); Cabin Remains (within shouting distance of this marker); Behind the Parapet (within shouting distance of this marker); Cheat Summit Fort (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shavers Fork (approx. 0.8 miles away); Cheat Summit Camp (approx. 0.9 miles away); Asa Gray / Buffalo-Indian Trail (approx. one mile away); Cheat Mountain (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cheat Bridge.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, August 8, 2012
2. Astride the Road from Nowhere Marker
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, August 8, 2012
3. Fort Milroy (interior view)
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, August 8, 2012
4. View from Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 889 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 10, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
