The Battle of Rich Mountain was fought here on July 11, 1861. In a surprise attack, Gen. W.S. Rosecrans defeated Confederates led by Capt. J.A. deLagnel. The battle was decisive in McClellan's northwestern Virginia campaign. Near the Hart House and barn, deLagnel's 310 men held Rosecrans' forces for four hours before surrendering. This forced Col. Pegram to retreat, and his army was captured.