During the Battle of McDowell, most of Stonewall Jackson’s Confederates climbed Sitlington’s Hill through a ravine to the left, and the 31st Virginia Infantry may have reached the crest by the trail here. These Confederates had been guarding the road leading to McDowell when they exchanged fire with the Union 3rd Virginia Infantry. Elements of both the Confederate 31st Virginia and Union 3rd Virginia had been recruited from the small town of Clarksburg. Andrew Price of the 3rd Virginia recalled that the 31st Virginia came close to the 3rd, saluted them, called them by name, and proceeded with the slaughter, while Col. Nathaniel C. McLean of the 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry remembered his position as one of extreme danger and exposure under heavy enemy fire.