Cheat Mountain Summit
Civil War West Virginia

American Civil War
September 12-15 1861

General Robert E. Lee directed his first offensive of the war against Brigadier General Joseph Reynolds's entrenchments on the summit of Cheat Mountain and in the Tygart Valley.

The Confederate attacks were uncoordinated, however, and the Federal defense was so stubborn that Col. Albert Rust (leading the attacks) was convinced that he confronted an overwhelming force. He actually faced only about 300 determined Federals.

Lee called off the attack and, after maneuvering in the vicinity, withdrew to Valley Head on September 17. In October, Lee renewed operations against Laurel Mountain with the troops of Floyd and Loring, but the operation was called off because of poor communication and lack of supplies.

Lee was recalled to Richmond on October 30 after achieving little in western Virginia.

Result(s): Union victory

Location: Pocahontas County

Campaign: Operations in Western Virginia (June-December 1861) next battle in campaign    previous battle in campaign

Date(s): September 12-15 1861

Principal Commanders: Brigadier General Joseph Reynolds [US]; General Robert E. Lee and Col. Albert Rust [CS]

Forces Engaged: Brigades

Estimated Casualties: 170 total (US 80; CS 90)


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Sources:
U.S. National Park Service
U.S. Library of Congress.

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