Corricks Ford Battlefield Association
Posted in Home on March 2nd, 2011The CORRICKS FORD BATTLEFIELD ASSOCIATION is committed to preserving and promoting the historic significance of the Corricks Ford Battlefield site in Parsons, West Virginia, by developing its educational and interpretive opportunities and encouraging its public use for the benefit of the community.
General Robert S. Garnett, CSABattle of Corricks Ford: A History
Confederate General Robert S. Garnett took command of the Army of the Northwest in this region after the “Philippi Races,” the first land battle of the Civil War. By June 16, 1861, Garnett’s 5,300 Confederates dug in at Rich Mountain and Laurel Hill, more than 25 miles south, to stop an invasion by Union General George McClellan.
McClellan’s victory at Rich Mountain on July 11 forced General Garnett to abandon Laurel Hill. That night, Garnett and 3,500 Confederates marched south toward Beverly, but fearing a trap, turned northeast in a daring bid to escape. Union troops gave chase. Slowed by muddy roads and river crossings, General Garnett’s army made a gallant stand to rescue their wagons less than one mile south on Shavers Fork. Breaking off the fight, they retreated downstream to nearby Corricks Ford.
In a desperate bid to stall the enemy, Garnett posted sharpshooters of the 23rd Virginia Infantry behind driftwood along the riverbank. The general remained as bullets hissed across the stream. As Garnett turned to give an order, a ball struck him and he toppled from his horse. Federal skirmishers splashed across the ford and found the general’s body among the wildflowers.
