Following the Battle of Bulltown, a record of the engagement is this letter transmitted by the Union soldier Captain William H. Mattingly to Colonel Wilkinson at Clarksburg.
Battle of Bulltown
Bulltown, October 13, . . . — — Map (db m309026) HM
Bulltown. Important point in plan of Washington to establish water transportation to West. Salt was made here as early as 1792. Attack of whites in 1772 upon Captain Bull's Indian village here was among the causes of Dunmore's War. . . . — — Map (db m37050) HM
On October 13, 1863, 700 Confederate soldiers assembled on this hillside in preparation for an attack against the Union hilltop stronghold on your left. The Confederate objective was to gain control of a vital link in the strategically important . . . — — Map (db m309022) HM
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. . . . — — Map (db m309025) HM
[The marker features several images with captions interpreting throughout.]
This stone culvert under construction in the Falls Mill area of old Route 19 allowed Falls Creek to pass under the road — a link in transporting goods produced . . . — — Map (db m309006) HM
Thousands of Union troops poured into western Virginia from Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania in the spring and summer of 1861—the first months of the Civil War. From towns along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, some of these troops marched south . . . — — Map (db m309013) HM
Because farming was the major economic activity in the region, social life tended to be organized around the physical site and the requirements and activities of the farm—especially before paved roads were introduced—and to involve those . . . — — Map (db m309004) HM
Built before 1900 in the "saddlebag" style common to central West Virginia, this one-and-a-half-story log house consists of two "pens" or "cribs."
Most of the logs of the left, and presumably older, pen are joined by means of half-dovetailed . . . — — Map (db m309019) HM
This granary is the oldest outbuilding on the farm. Corn was stored here at harvest time, after it had been cut, dried, and shucked, and was used during the winter months to provide food for both people and livestock. Cornmeal was a staple food. . . . — — Map (db m309017) HM
Marker History
The West Virginia state historic marker in-front of you, originally was installed in 1937 beside U.S. 19 at a wayside park. The second location was directly across from Millstone Run Road. The most recent move to this . . . — — Map (db m309002) HM
Built around 1883, this two-story log structure was owned by the Johnson family until it was purchased by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1972.
Its most unusual architectural feature is the cat-and-clay chimney made of wooden slats . . . — — Map (db m309020) HM
Typically, a “breastworks” is an improvised and more or less temporary form of fortification. The Union breastworks at this site are now marked by a shallow ditch just below and circling the crest of the hill.
Archeological excavations in . . . — — Map (db m309015) HM
After visiting this site in 1914, a former resident of the Bulltown area described childhood memories of the abandoned Union encampment, long after the Civil War had ended (Reported in the Braxton Central, May 1, 1914):
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. . . . — — Map (db m309010) HM
Constructed of yellow poplar logs in 1878-1879, St. Michael’s was one of three small Catholic churches that together formed the “Weston Missions,” administered by the pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in Weston.
In 1884, administrative . . . — — Map (db m309008) HM
The control of Bulltown meant the control of part of the Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike, including the nearby covered bridge that carried the turnpike across the Little Kanawha River. In a mountainous region where communication and . . . — — Map (db m309016) HM
Occupied by Union pickets, or sentries, these outlying rifle pits are located 800 feet north of the main entrenchments. Designed to provide Union forces with a means of early warning in the event of attack from the north, the northeast, or from . . . — — Map (db m309011) HM
During the Battle of Bulltown, on October 13, 1863, seven soldiers under the command of Colonel William Jackson were killed and soon after buried on the battlefield. In 1889, one Milton Butcher, whose farmland included a portion of the . . . — — Map (db m309024) HM
The well at this site is the only feature inside the Union fortifications that can be clearly identified. Located just north of the main fortifications, it was—and until recently continued to be—a source of drinking water.
The well helped . . . — — Map (db m309012) HM
Although this specie[s] of combatant, Union or Confederate, was in most cases only a determined local partisan obsessed with opinions of patriotic self-sufficiency, he was sometimes the social scum of the community… [The bushwacker] made no . . . — — Map (db m309007) HM
West Virginia Railroads, Roads, Rivers And Towns In 1861
This map shows the locations of all the major mid-nineteenth-century transportation routes in what is now West Virginia. The major transportation routes were the James River and . . . — — Map (db m309003) HM
The original Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike ran along the ridges and hills of western Virginia and was the only important north-south road in this region. It stimulated commerce and population growth in many of the towns through which it . . . — — Map (db m309021) HM
Distance: 10.5 miles
History
The Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike served as an early transportation route for developing commerce in Braxton and surrounding counties. Both Union and Confederate forces transported equipment and . . . — — Map (db m309018) HM
Braxton County Formed in 1836 from Lewis, Kanawha, and Nicholas. Named for Carter Braxton, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Washington planned to establish important point in project for western communication in this county. Gilmer . . . — — Map (db m73419) HM
Remembering those whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our country and the freedoms we love
KIA
***SSgt Ray L. Ball-Army, WWII, ΚΙΑ •
*Pvt Solomon H. Brown-Army, WWI, KIA •
*SSgt Ward Byrne-Army, . . . — — Map (db m291225) WM
Area first settled in 1798; Payton Byrnes came in 1830. First known as Lumberport in 1866, when Capt. John Burns established first saw mill in area. Incorporated by county in 1902 and named for Burns. — — Map (db m50025) HM
Dedicated to the memory of all Paratroopers and Gliderman who spearheaded all major invasions by dropping behind enemy lines to secure military objectives. "Lest We Forget" whose courage, dedication and traditions make them America's finest. — — Map (db m70903) WM
Proud tribute is here paid to Gassaway community members who answered the call to the colors in
World War II
1941 -1945
☆ ☆ ☆
Korea 1950 - 1955
Vietnam 1961 - 1973 — — Map (db m281021) WM
Proud tribute is here paid to Gassaway community members who answered the call to the colors in World War II 1941 - 1945.
Joe Alderman • Harry Adkins • Don Ankrum • Jack Alderman • Leo Ankrum • Robert Ankrum • Vernice Joe Ankrum • Jim . . . — — Map (db m309043) WM
Flag Etiquette
1. Never lower the flag to anything or person.
2. Only fly it upside down if in distress.
3. Do not use the flag as a covering, drapery, or decoration of any kind. Red, white, . . . — — Map (db m309047) WM
Korea 1950-1955 / Vietnam 1961-1973
Ables, Wesley H. • Ables, Rondle L. • Ables, William E. • Adams, Norman E. • Ankrom, Donzell L. • Ankrom, Leo R. • Argabrite, Ernest C. • Allbright, Jimmie D. • Bailey, Jack L. • Belknap, Freddie K. • . . . — — Map (db m309501) WM
Donated to town of Gassaway in early 1900's by daughter of Henry Gassaway Davis.
Originally located on Elk St. across from Gassaway Midland Co. (formerly Stanard Co.)
Later moved to Hank Lough property on Chapel Road. Presented to the town in . . . — — Map (db m309045) HM
On October 13, 1863, Confederate troops under Col. W. L. "Mudwall" Jackson attacked Union forces at Bulltown, where they were repulsed by elements of the 6th and 11th WV infantries. Compelled to withdraw, Jackson’s men retreated to Salt Lick Bridge . . . — — Map (db m161248) HM
James H. Payne • Donald D. Workman • Billie Jack Miller • Howard M. Simmons • Edward Lane • Paul Dale Karickhoff • Ronald V. Wood • Lilburn Helmick • Billie B. Helmick • James William Thompson • Ernest L. Davis • Floyd Earl Rhodes • James Hugh . . . — — Map (db m308997) WM
On the hill in front of you are two fortifications that Union Gen. George B. McClellan ordered constructed late in1861. They guarded the wooden covered bridge located here on the Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike. In October 1863, Capt. William H. . . . — — Map (db m58727) HM
The coal-and-wood house, a rectangular building constructed of rough saw-mill lumber, stood here. After the introduction of gas heating, the building was used for general storage.
Bulltown families traditionally gathered wood for their stoves in . . . — — Map (db m229228) HM
In time the Cunninghams built a granary, barns, coal-and-wood house, outhouse, and chicken house, in addition to the main house, to form a traditional central West Virginia subsistence farm. It was on the Cunningham farmstead, in 1861, that Union . . . — — Map (db m229231) HM
Named for Henry Cunningham, the Cunningham House was owned by the Cunningham family from the time it was built in the early nineteenth century until 1976, when it was purchased by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The original building was a . . . — — Map (db m229232) HM
The food cellar served as a combination refrigerator and extended pantry. Because most families grew most of their own food, they needed a large storage area.
Meats and fruits, vegetables and other harvested foods were canned, pickled, or dried . . . — — Map (db m229233) HM
The McCauley Barn was built in the nineteeth century. The original structure was rectangular and had, as it has now, a loft and a gable roof.
D. W. "Joe" McCauley purchased the barn in 1928 and, in 1933, added a three-stall horse shed along the . . . — — Map (db m229234) HM
The main purpose of the spring house, which was built over a natural spring, was to provide a family with fresh, sanitary drinking water. The water was either pumped or dipped by hand, as needed.
The spring house was also a source of . . . — — Map (db m229229) HM
In Memorium
Brigadier General
James Kemp McLaughlin
1918-2019
Braxton County Native
WWII Veteran 1941-1945
Piloted 39 Combat Missions
8th Air Force
Founder & Commander
W.Va. Air National Guard
1947-1977 . . . — — Map (db m281226) WM
On December 29, 1861, Confederate partisans attacked a company of the 1st West Virginia Cavalry at Sutton. After ammunition ran low, the Federals left with part of the Confederate force in pursuit. When the Confederates returned, they found the town . . . — — Map (db m173334) HM
The scenic Elk River now flows peacefully before you, but in 1861, the conflict raged here. That year, Col. Erastus B. Tyler's 7th Ohio constructed earthworks near this location to protect an important suspension bridge. About 100 men of Capt. . . . — — Map (db m208238) HM
Panel 1
How Did Braxton County Get Its Name?
Ten years after Sutton was incorporated, Braxton County was formed in 1836. The new county was named after Carter Braxton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Town of Sutton . . . — — Map (db m173346) HM
Honoring Revolutionary War Soldiers and Patriots buried in Braxton County.
Andrew Skidmore, 1750-1827 • Charles Francis Boggs Jr., 1754-1837 • Jacob Fisher 1763-1846 • Peter Shields, 1755-1832 • John Dobbins 1747-1833 • Patrick Murphy, . . . — — Map (db m179591) WM
(Preface):
On April 20, 1863, Confederate Gens. William E. "Grumble" Jones and John D. Imboden began a raid from Virginia through present-day West Virginia against the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Taking separate routes, they . . . — — Map (db m281228) HM
In 1861, Col. Erastus B. Tyler’s 7th Ohio Infantry constructed earthworks near Suttonville to protect the suspension bridge across the Elk River. Later in the year, Capt. Weston Rowand’s Co. K, 1st Virginia Cavalry (US), about a hundred men, . . . — — Map (db m58728) HM
(Preface) On April 20, 1863, Confederate Gens. William E. “Grumble” Jones and John D. Imboden began a raid from Virginia through present-day West Virginia against the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Taking separate routes, they later . . . — — Map (db m252259) HM
Boggs, Clarence H. • Brown, Solomon • Buckner, Thomas • Carr, Benjamin H. • Clayton, Harry • Clowser, David • Conley, John P. • Craft, John E. • Criss, Guy Harley • Cutlip, William I, • Dobbins, Thomas • Dulin, Edwin L. • Exline, Oscar • Fisher, . . . — — Map (db m179590) WM
The geographic center of the irregular-shaped state of West Virginia is near this point, according to accepted methods of locating centers of geographic areas. It was also West Virginia's center of population in 1860. — — Map (db m173331) HM
