 Battle
of Laurel Hill/Belington
Follow US 250 12 miles south over parts of the old Beverly-Fairmont
Turnpike to the town of Belington. The road to the battlefield
site is marked. Continue on the “Beverly Pike” for
4 miles to the battlefield site, where there is a turning area
and picnic tables. After the defeat of the Confederate forces
at Philippi, General Garnett moved about 3,500 troops to Laurel
Hill. On July 6, General McClellan ordered General Morris to advance
from Philippi to Belington with about 5,000 Union troops. Skirmishing
began on July 7 and lasted through July 11, 1861, with the Union
routing the Confederate troops. Upon hearing of the simultaneous
defeat of forces at Rich Mountain, General Garnett retreated with
his troops to Corrick’s Ford near Parsons. Drive over the
old Turnpike on Laurel Mountain Road to Elkins in Randolph County
or return to US 250. |
