On Monday, North of Wytheville, VA:
When I realized we were on a detour that would not take us back to I-77 anytime soon, I wanted to look at the map. I pulled off by a Civil War Trails marker near the intersection of Krenning Road and Stoney Fork Road. The sign dealt with the Battle of Wytheville in 1863. I was not familiar with this battle, although I did write a report on the city of Wytheville back in grade school. The story on the marker starts out like this:
On July 13, 1863, Union Col. John T. Toland led 872 officers and men of the 34th Regiment Mounted Ohio Volunteer Infantry from Camp Piatt, West Virginia, into Southwest Virginia to attack the railroads, telegraphs, and salt and lead mines essential to the Confederate cause. At Tug Ridge in Abb’s Valley, on July 17, Toland surprised and captured a small company of Confederate pickets commanded by Capt. J.E. Stallings of the 45th Virginia Infantry. As Toland’s raiders descended to the foot of Walker Mountain, Confederate Maj. Andrew J. May followed close behind with about 250 cavalry men.You can read the rest of this marker on Historical Markers Database.
Sounds like it should have been labeled an engagement rather than battle. It was rough going to get to that area back then so it was pretty safe in SW VA.
ReplyDeleteamazing how much property was destroyed in that war among ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI think it's neat that you found this site and historical marker. Thanks for an interesting post.
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