Battle of Carnifex Ferry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Carnifex Ferry
Part of the American Civil War
Patterson House
Date September 10, 1861 (1861-09-10) Location Nicholas County, Virginia (now West Virginia) Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States of America (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
William S. Rosecrans	John B. Floyd
Strength
~5,000	~2,000
Casualties and losses
17 killed 141 wounded	unknown killed 30 wounded

The Battle of Carnifex Ferry happened on September 10, 1861. It took place in Nicholas County, Virginia, which is now West Virginia. This battle was part of the American Civil War.

The Union army won this important battle. Their victory helped the Confederate army leave western Virginia. This event later led to the creation of the state of West Virginia. The battle was named after a local family called Carnefix.

Who Fought at Carnifex Ferry?

The Union Army

The Union forces were led by General William S. Rosecrans. He had about 5,000 soldiers under his command.

The Confederate Army

The Confederate forces were led by General John B. Floyd. He had about 2,000 soldiers.

The Battle Begins

In August 1861, Confederate General John B. Floyd crossed the Gauley River. He surprised a Union group called the 7th Ohio Infantry. These Union soldiers were led by Colonel Erastus Tyler.

Tyler's soldiers were new to fighting and were not ready. They were quickly defeated and ran away. After this, General Floyd set up camp near Carnifex Ferry. His soldiers began building strong defenses on a farm.

Union Forces Attack

Union General William S. Rosecrans was worried about Floyd's actions. He wanted to stop Floyd from taking over the Kanawha Valley. Rosecrans led three groups of soldiers south to help Colonel Tyler's men.

On the afternoon of September 10, Rosecrans's troops were ready. They moved forward and attacked General Floyd's camp. The Confederate soldiers fought back hard. They stopped the Union attacks.

A Strategic Retreat

The Union army had more soldiers and strong cannons. Even though the Confederates held their ground, the powerful Union artillery was a big problem. General Floyd decided to pull his troops back.

That night, Floyd's soldiers retreated across the ferry. They moved to the south side of the Gauley River. Then, they continued moving east to a place called Meadow Bluff. This retreat was a key part of the Union victory.

Saving the Battlefield

In October 1935, the area where the battle happened was saved. It became a special place called Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. Visitors can learn about the battle there.

Images for kids

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  A map of the battle

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  General Floyd's troops retreat across the river

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  Map of Carnifex Ferry Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program