An Outpost in Enemy Territory

From the protection of the fort and their encampment along Mill Creek, Union soldiers were stationed at picket posts throughout adjacent valleys at key junctions, fords, and approaches. Patrols moved through the countryside to probe for the enemy, investigate rumors of Confederate activity, and gather hay and other provisions for camp use. Eastern West Virginia was a hotly contested guerrilla area during the Civil War, and Fort Mill Ridge stood as an isolated outpost where a surprise attack could come from any direction. Although patrols and picket duty were usually tedious and uneventful, sudden attacks by raiding parties or bushwhackers could occur at any time, while the rugged terrain made ambushes easy and pursuit difficult. During the period of occupation, the primary base for Confederate operations was Rockingham County in the southeastern Shenandoah Valley, from which Confederates launched raids into West Virginia, including two primary raids in the spring of 1863. In a June 6, 1863, letter, Private Joshua Winters wrote, “Well Anne I have just com off of dress praid and I will finish your letter. we drill one hour every morning before breckfist. we ar on gard every third day. I guess they ar about dun with the fort and the intrenchments, then our deuty wont bee so heavy.”

West Virginia · United States