Philippi in Barbour County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Philippi
The Casualties
— The First Campaign —
Eighteen-year old Confederate James E. Hanger, a member of the Churchville Cavalry, was struck in the left leg by a cannonball as he tried to get his horse from Garrett Johnson’s stable near the covered bridge.
Within hours, Dr. James D. Robison of the 16th Ohio Volunteers amputated Hanger’s leg about seven inches below the hip. It was the first amputation of the war. Hanger later founded the J.E. Hanger Company, which today as Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc., is the nation’s oldest and largest manufacturer of artificial limbs.
Captain Fauntleroy P. Dangerfield of Hot Springs, Virginia, came to Philippi to drill Confederate recruits. During the retreat, he was wounded in the left knee by a bullet. Carried to Beverly by wagon, his leg was amputated the next day by surgeon Dr. John T. Huff of Monterey, Virginia. It was the first amputation of the war by a Confederate surgeon.
Erected by West Virginia - West Virginia Civil War Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 9.15′ N, 80° 2.382′ W. Marker was in Philippi, West Virginia, in Barbour County. Marker was at the intersection of North Main Street and Church Street, on the left when traveling south on North Main Street. 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. Medical Firsts (a few steps from this marker); Barbour County War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Hanger's Limb (within shouting distance of this marker); Heroes of World War II ☆ Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); First Amputation of the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Philippi (within shouting distance of this marker); Barbour County Korean War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Headquarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). 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 "Medical Firsts".
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 830 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on December 6, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on August 23, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on September 10, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.