Site of early Civil War battle fought July 13, 1861. Border
Rangers and local citizens met on
“Fortification Hill” to repel an advance by five companies of the 2nd Kentucky
Infantry.
After firing several volleys, Union troops made a bayonet charge up the
hill
and dispersed the locals. Union casualties were sixteen. Local farmer
James Reynolds, age 58, died of wounds sustained in battle.
“One of the first battles of the Civil War was fought in
Barboursville on July 11, 1861,
between the Wayne and Cabell County militia under Colonel Ferguson, and
the
Second Kentucky under Colonel Woodruff. The militia could not stand up under
the bayonet charge, and retreated in haste, leaving one dead, a Mr.
Reynolds,
from Milton, and Absolom Ballinger wounded. Federal loss, five killed and
eighteen wounded. I though our Militia was well trained, but lost confidence
in them when I watched them in action during this fight. Our second fight
was on Main Street in September 1862 between the Eighth Virginia
Cavalry and a regiment of Ohio Cavalry under Colonel Powell. This
battle was fought after night. Both sides retreated, one Union
soldier being killed. The Eighth Virginia Cavalry was
commanded by General Jenkins, and most of the
boys from our county belonged to it.”
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