Battle of Rich Mountain
Rich Mountain, West Virginia, USA
What happened
Union troops under George B. McClellan and William S. Rosecrans fought Confederates under John Pegram. A local man, David Hart, guided Rosecrans's brigade through rough woods to reach the back of the Confederate position. They attacked the pass on Rich Mountain in the afternoon and, after a counterattack, routed the defenders. Pegram's tired force surrendered the next day.
Why it matters
The win was celebrated in the North and helped McClellan rise to command the Army of the Potomac. It was part of a campaign that left Union forces holding western Virginia, which became the state of West Virginia in 1863.
What came next
Confederate general Robert S. Garnett gave up nearby Laurel Mountain. On 22 July McClellan was called to Washington, and Rosecrans took command in western Virginia.
Did you know?
David Hart was reportedly offered one hundred dollars in gold for showing the Union soldiers the way.
Timeline
- 11 Jul 1861Battle of Rich Mountain.
- 12 Jul 1861Pegram's force surrenders.
- 22 Jul 1861McClellan is ordered to Washington.
- 1863Western Virginia becomes the state of West Virginia.