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Civil War Weekend at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State ParkSeptember 10, 11 & 12, 1999
Seeking to gain a foothold in Western Virginia from which to conduct military operations, Gen. John F. Floyd, C.S.A., with approximately 2,000 troops established Camp Gauley here on the Patterson Farm about one mile from the Carnifex Ferry.
Rosecrans used only part of his men in the attack and the well entrenched Confederates were able to successfully drive back the Federal troops. With darkness approaching, Rosecrans decided to wait until morning before launching a major offensive. General Floyd reassessed his situation and decided to withdraw across the Gauley River during the night rather than face a superior force in the morning. He accomplished this maneuver without alerting the Federal army. The following morning, the Federals moved into Camp Gauley without incident and a vital line was secured by the Union, thus enabling the movement for West Virginia Statehood to proceed. Although Rosecrans could rightfully claim victory, the North lost more men than the South in the battle. Federal casualties were 130 with 27 deaths while Southern losses were less than 30 with no reported deaths.
Reenactment of the Battle Each year, on the weekend nearest the 10th of September, the Battle of Carnifex ferry is reenacted on the same ground as the original conflict. This reenactment is hosted by Company A, of the 36th Virginia Infantry, West Virginia's oldest and most authentic living history organization. The event attracts hundreds of the country's best Civil War reenactors. The two day event (Saturday and Sunday) includes various living history demonstrations such as camp life, military drill, and a reenactment of the Federal assault on the Confederate line.
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