Military
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On July 11, 1861, the battle of Rich Mountain took place where the Staunton-Parkersburg turnpike crossed the crest of the mountain, when a Federal flank attack surprised Confederates guarding the pass. About 2:30 pm, Union forces began their attack down the hill on the right. The 310 Confederate troops on guard there, with one cannon, took cover behind hastily erected log breastworks, farm buildings, and rocks in the stable yard across the road. After more than two hours of fighting, the larger Federal force charged again and captured the cannon. The Confederates retreated into the woods and during the night abandoned Camp Garnett. General McClellan's army then took control of the turnpike and of northwestern Virginia.
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West Virginia · United States
