Crozet~Chenoweth / Rich Mountain Battlefield

Claudius Crozet, a French-born civil engineer formerly in the army of Napoleon, surveyed the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike and other major roads, tunnels, and canals in this region, and the routes of these historic byways testify to his skill in overcoming mountainous terrain. This was also the home of Lemuel Chenoweth, a legendary 19th century bridge-builder and architect. On July 11, 1861, Federal forces led by Gen. William S. Rosencrans routed Confederates five miles west at Rich Mountain in the first major Union victory of the Civil War. Telegrams amplified the victory, which drove Confederates from the region, propelled Maj. Gen. George McClellan to supreme Union command, and paved the way for West Virginia statehood.

Beverly, West Virginia · United States