It All Begins Here — September
The Battle of Carnifex Ferry: A Weekend of History, Heritage, and Appalachian Beauty
I had the chance to step directly into history at the 165th Anniversary of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. The weekend was full of energy, reenactors marching through the woods, skirmishes breaking out across the fields, and the echo of cannon fire rolling through the hills just as it did 165 years ago.
Between the battles, I wandered the park’s incredible trails overlooking the Gauley River, where the early fall colors were just starting to settle in. The overlooks alone are worth the trip, but seeing them while the past comes alive around you is something special. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you why Appalachian history matter, and why preserving it is worth every effort.
A Brief History: What Happened Here 165 Years Ago?
On September 10, 1861, Union forces under Brig. Gen. William Rosecrans clashed with Confederate troops commanded by Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd. Floyd had fortified his position on the high bluffs above the Gauley, hoping to hold the line and maintain Confederate control in the region.
The Union assault was fierce but ultimately inconclusive. As night fell, Floyd withdrew under cover of darkness, leaving the battlefield, and eventually much of the region, to Union control. Though not the largest battle of the Civil War, Carnifex Ferry played a meaningful role in shaping the future of western Virginia, contributing to the path that would eventually lead to West Virginia statehood.
Today, the park preserves those same ridges, ravines, and river overlooks where soldiers once stood, making it one of the most immersive Civil War sites in Appalachia.
See the Weekend Through A Lense
I had the opportunity of capturing it all, the scenery, and the spirit of the event in a full photo album. If you’d like to see the battles, the camps, the trails, and the incredible people who keep this history alive, visit MazingArt’s Facebook page and check out the gallery from the weekend.
It was an unforgettable experience, and the perfect way to restart the monthly blog series. More Appalachian history, art, and adventures are on the way.
