Battle of Scary Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Scary Creek |
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| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States of America (Union) |
 Confederate States of America |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Jacob Dolson Cox John W. Lowe |
Henry A. Wise George S. Patton, Sr (WIA) Albert G. Jenkins |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 1,000+ (est.) | 800 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 14 killed, 30 wounded, 7 captured | 4 killed, 6 wounded | ||||||
The Battle of Scary Creek was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on July 17, 1861, near what is now Nitro in Putnam County, West Virginia. This battle was a victory for the Confederate side.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
This battle took place just three months after the Civil War began. It was also only days before the very first major battle of the war, known as the Battle of Bull Run. Union forces, led by General Jacob Cox, were moving up the Kanawha Valley from Ohio. They wanted to take control of this important area. Confederate General Henry A. Wise had a few thousand troops stationed nearby.
Who Fought in the Battle
Union Forces
The Union army had about 1,000 soldiers. They were led by General Jacob Cox.
- 12th Ohio Infantry Regiment
- 21st Ohio Infantry Regiment
- 2nd Kentucky Infantry Regiment (Union)
- 11th Ohio Infantry Regiment
- George's Independent Ohio Cavalry Company (horse soldiers)
- Cotter's Battery of Ohio Light Artillery (cannons)
- Barnett's Battery of Ohio Light Artillery (cannons)
Confederate Forces
The Confederate army had about 800 soldiers. They were led by General Henry A. Wise.
- 22nd Virginia Infantry Regiment
- Kanawha Border Rangers
The Battle Begins
The battle started when Union soldiers moved forward toward the Confederate camp. Lieutenant Colonel George S. Patton, who was the grandfather of the famous World War II general George S. Patton, led the Confederate defense. His troops were positioned behind Harlem Creek, about two miles from the main Confederate camp.
After the Fighting
Confusion on the Battlefield
After the Union forces started to fall back, something strange happened. The Confederates thought that new Union soldiers were arriving. Because of this, both sides actually started to retreat! However, the Confederates soon realized their mistake. They quickly returned to the battlefield and claimed victory.
What Happened Next
Even though the Confederates won the battle, General Wise made a surprising decision. He chose to pull his troops back further up the Kanawha Valley. This move was criticized by many. It meant that most of the Kanawha Valley then fell into Union hands. So, the Confederate victory at Scary Creek didn't help them control the area for long.
The battle had relatively few casualties, especially considering how intense the fighting was. The Union side lost 14 soldiers killed, about 30 wounded, and 7 captured. The Confederates lost between 1 to 5 soldiers killed and about 6 wounded, including Lieutenant Colonel Patton.
