Confederate Gen. Garnett posted two regiments in commanding positions in West Virginia and McClellan sent Gen. Rosecrans and four regimants to dislodge them. The Union troops managed to out-flank and appear in the rear on the Confederates. In the ensuing battle, half of the Confederate force surrendered with the rest retreating to Carricks Ford where Gen. Garnett himself was killed.

Randolph county, West Virginia, USA. (USA)

Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan assumed command of Union forces in western Virginia in June 1861. On June 27, he moved his divisions from Clarksburg south against Lt. Col. John Pegram’s Confederates, reaching the vicinity of Rich Mountain on July 9. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. T.A. Morris’s Union brigade marched from Philippi to confront Brig. Gen. R.S. Garnett’s command at Laurel Hill.
On July 11, Brig. Gen. William S. Rosecrans led a reinforced brigade by a mountain path to seize the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike in Pegram’s rear. A sharp two-hour fight ensued in which the Confederates were split in two. Half escaped to Beverly, but Pegram and the others surrendered on July 13. Hearing of Pegram’s defeat, Garnett abandoned Laurel Hill. The Federals pursued, and, during fighting at Carrick’s Ford on July 13, Garnett was killed.
On July 22, McClellan was ordered to Washington, and Rosecrans assumed command of Union forces in western Virginia. Union victory at Rich Mountain was instrumental in propelling McClellan to command of the Army of the Potomac.

American Confederate Forces

Number engaged :

6,000

Casualties :

300 (5.00%)

American Union Forces

Number engaged :

15,000

Casualties :

46 (0.31%)