Romney, West Virginia during the American Civil War
Encyclopedia
The city of Romney
, Virginia
(now West Virginia
) traded hands between the Union Army
and Confederate States Army
no fewer than 10 times during the American Civil War
, assuming the occupying force spent at least one night in the town. (Oral tradition and an erroneous state historical marker claim the town changed hands 56 times.) The story of the small town is emblematic of the many military campaigns that swept through western Virginia and, later, the new state of West Virginia.
Romney, West Virginia
Romney is a city in and the county seat of Hampshire County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 1,940 at the 2000 census, while the area covered by the city's ZIP code had a population of 5,873. It is a city with a very historic background dating back to the 18th century...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
(now West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
) traded hands between the Union Army
Union Army
The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
and Confederate States Army
Confederate States Army
The Confederate States Army was the army of the Confederate States of America while the Confederacy existed during the American Civil War. On February 8, 1861, delegates from the seven Deep South states which had already declared their secession from the United States of America adopted the...
no fewer than 10 times during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, assuming the occupying force spent at least one night in the town. (Oral tradition and an erroneous state historical marker claim the town changed hands 56 times.) The story of the small town is emblematic of the many military campaigns that swept through western Virginia and, later, the new state of West Virginia.
1861
- Union Col.ColonelColonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
Lewis "Lew" WallaceLew WallaceLewis "Lew" Wallace was an American lawyer, Union general in the American Civil War, territorial governor and statesman, politician and author...
, in command of the 11th Indiana11th Regiment Indiana InfantryThe 11th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.-3 Month:The 11th Indiana was organized in Indianapolis, Indiana with Lew Wallace as colonel and George McGinnis as lieutenant colonel...
Zouaves, occupied Romney for a few hours on June 13.
- The next day, Col. Ambrose P. HillA. P. HillAmbrose Powell Hill, Jr. , was a career U.S. Army officer in the Mexican-American War and Seminole Wars and a Confederate general in the American Civil War...
's Confederates occupied the town.
- Confederate Col. John C. VaughnJohn C. VaughnJohn C. Vaughn was a Confederate cavalry officer from East Tennessee.He served in the Mexican-American War, prospected in the California Gold Rush, and participated in American Civil War battles...
of the 3rd Tennessee was apparently stationed in Romney, from which, under orders of A.P. Hill of the 13th Virginia Infantry13th Virginia InfantryThe 13th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment raised in Virginia for service in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War...
, he attacked Federal forces at New CreekNew CreekNew Creek is an stream in eastern West Virginia in the United States. It is the third major West Virginia tributary to the North Branch Potomac River. Via the Potomac, it is part of the watershed of Chesapeake Bay.-Course:...
on June 18.
- Confederate Capt. Turner AshbyTurner AshbyTurner Ashby, Jr. was a Confederate cavalry commander in the American Civil War. He had achieved prominence as Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's cavalry commander, in the grade of colonel, in the Shenandoah Valley before he was killed in battle in 1862...
established the headquarters of the 7th Virginia Cavalry7th Virginia CavalryThe 7th Virginia Cavalry also known as Ashby's Cavalry was a Confederate cavalry regiment raised in the spring of 1861 by Colonel Angus W. McDonald, Sr. The regiment was composed primarily of men from the counties of the upper Shenandoah Valley as well as from the counties of Fauquier and Loudoun...
at "Camp Washington" on the George W. Washington farmWashington Bottom FarmWashington Bottom Farm is a 19th century Greek Revival plantation house and farm on a plateau overlooking the South Branch Potomac River north of Romney, West Virginia, United States. The populated area adjacent to Washington Bottom Farm is known as Ridgedale...
, "Ridgedale," immediately north of Hanging RocksHanging RocksHanging Rocks are perpendicular cliffs rising nearly above the South Branch Potomac River in Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Hanging Rocks are located four miles north of Romney at Wappocomo on West Virginia Route 28. Hanging Rocks has also been known throughout its history...
and across the South Branch Potomac River from Wire Bridge.
- In July, Col. A. C. Cummings of Brig. Gen.Brigadier GeneralBrigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
Thomas J. Jackson's command that had fought at the First Battle of Manassas occupied Romney.
- Confederate Col. Angus McDonald was in command at Romney when it was attacked by Federals on September 23; McDonald had been advised by GeneralGeneralA general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
Robert E. LeeRobert E. LeeRobert Edward Lee was a career military officer who is best known for having commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War....
on September 18 that the Federals were withdrawing from Romney. After feigning an attack through Mechanicsburg GapMechanicsburg GapMechanicsburg Gap is a water gap mountain pass through Mill Creek Mountain in Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia....
, the Federals launched their main attack from Hanging Rock. On September 24, McDonald gave way before the stronger Federal force, but retook the town the next day as the disorganized enemy retreated across the South Branch bridge toward KeyserKeyser, West VirginiaKeyser is a city in and the county seat of Mineral County, West Virginia, United States. It is part of the Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 5,303 at the 2000 census.- History :...
. Federal forces consisted of the 4th Ohio4th Ohio InfantryThe 4th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It served in the Eastern Theater in a number of campaigns and battles, but perhaps is most noted for its actions in helping secure Cemetery Hill during the Battle of...
and 8th Ohio Infantry8th Ohio InfantryThe 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It served in the Eastern Theater in a number of campaigns and battles, but perhaps is most noted for its actions in helping repulse Pickett's Charge during the Battle of...
and some members of the Ringgold Cavalry under Capt. John Keys; Confederate forces were the 114th and 77th Virginia militiaMilitiaThe term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. It is a polyseme with...
regimentRegimentA regiment is a major tactical military unit, composed of variable numbers of batteries, squadrons or battalions, commanded by a colonel or lieutenant colonel...
s.
- On October 24, Federal Ohio and Virginia infantry (with some light artillery and Ringgold Cavalry) attacked through Mechanicsburg GapMechanicsburg GapMechanicsburg Gap is a water gap mountain pass through Mill Creek Mountain in Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia....
; on October 26 the Confederate defenders fled. There was a skirmish at Wire Bridge as part of this assault. It was as a result of this Federal success that Col. Benjamin F. KelleyBenjamin Franklin KelleyBenjamin Franklin Kelley was an American soldier who served as a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He played a prominent role in several military campaigns in West Virginia and Maryland....
issued his "Address to the People of Hampshire CountyHampshire County, West VirginiaHampshire County is a county located in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of 2010, the population was 23,964. Its county seat is Romney, West Virginia's oldest town . Hampshire County was created by the Virginia General Assembly on December 13, 1753, from parts of Frederick and Augusta counties ...
and the Upper Potomac". For a time after this, Federals under the command of Col. Samuel H. Dunning of the 5th Ohio Infantry5th Ohio InfantryThe 5th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment from southwestern Ohio that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, serving in both the Eastern and Western Theaters in a series of campaigns and battles....
occupied Romney.
1862
- On January 7, an advance guard of Confederates was defeated by about 2,000 Federals under Colonel Dunning at Blue's Gap.
- On January 10, Federal troops under Frederick W. LanderFrederick W. LanderFrederick West Lander was a transcontinental United States explorer, general in the Union Army during the American Civil War, and a prolific poet.-Birth and early years:...
evacuated Romney and Confederate cavalry under the command of Captains George F. Sheetz and E. H. Shans occupied the town; Brig. Gen. William W. LoringWilliam W. LoringWilliam Wing Loring was a soldier from North Carolina who served in the armies of the United States, the Confederacy, and Egypt.-Early life:...
was placed in command and "Stonewall" Jackson returned to WinchesterWinchester, VirginiaWinchester is an independent city located in the northwestern portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the USA. The city's population was 26,203 according to the 2010 Census...
. This set the stage for General Jackson's resignation, which was declined.
- On February 2 – 4 Confederate General Loring evacuated Romney.
- On February 7, after General Jackson had been forced to withdraw his units to Winchester, Federal forces under General Lander reoccupied the town and later broke up "the rebel nest at Bloomery GapBloomery, Hampshire County, West VirginiaBloomery is an unincorporated hamlet in Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Bloomery is located along the Bloomery Pike , northwest of Winchester, Virginia...
."
- Following apparent occupation by Confederates in the spring, Union Lt. Col.Lieutenant colonelLieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
Stephen W. DowneyStephen Wheeler DowneyStephen Wheeler Downey was a lawyer and politician in Wyoming.In 1861, Stephen Downey enlisted as a private in the 3rd Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade, and successfully promoted to first lieutenant, lieutenant colonel, and colonel...
of the 3rd Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade3rd Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home BrigadeThe 3rd Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.-Service:...
took command of Federal troops at Romney on March 3; in early May, Downey left his troops there and received a new command in Pendleton CountyPendleton County, West VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 8,196 people, 3,350 households, and 2,355 families residing in the county. The population density was 12 people per square mile . There were 5,102 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile...
.
- From April 24 – 28, the Federal Ringgold and Washington Cavalry were stationed in Romney.
- During early 1862, Blenker's Federal division marched through Romney.
- From September 13 – 15, Confederate Col. John D. ImbodenJohn D. ImbodenJohn Daniel Imboden was a lawyer, teacher, Virginia state legislator. During the American Civil War, he was a Confederate cavalry general and partisan fighter...
occupied Romney for several days after a Federal withdrawal; he used the opportunity to set a successful ambush for Federal troops about two miles out of town.
- On October 2 the 1st New York Cavalry passed through Romney.
- On December 1 the Ringgold Cavalry skirmished with Confederates in Romney.
- Captain Keys of the Ringgold cavalry was reported to have left Romney on December 22 for Winchester.
- One week later, Brig. Gen. Robert H. MilroyRobert H. MilroyRobert Huston Milroy was a lawyer, judge, and a Union Army general in the American Civil War, most noted for his defeat at the Second Battle of Winchester in 1863.-Early life:...
and his cavalry escort passed through on his way to take command of Federal forces in Winchester.
1863
- On January 8 (or 11), Col. James Washburn had been ordered by General Kelley to fall back to Romney with his entire Union force; by January 20, Washburn was in Romney with a force of about 1,400 men. Some remained until the middle of March.
- On April 7, Federals attacked Confederate partisanPartisan (military)A partisan is a member of an irregular military force formed to oppose control of an area by a foreign power or by an army of occupation by some kind of insurgent activity...
cavalry commander "Hanse" McNeillJohn Hanson McNeillJohn Hanson McNeill was a Confederate soldier who served as a Captain in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He led McNeill's Rangers, an independent irregular Confederate military company commissioned under the Partisan Ranger Act.McNeill was born near Moorefield, Virginia...
near PurgitsvillePurgitsville, West VirginiaPurgitsville is an unincorporated community in Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. According to the 2000 census, the ZCTA for Purgitsville had a population of 813. Purgitsville is located on U.S. Highway 220/West Virginia Route 28 at its intersection with Huffman Road south of...
, one day after his successful action at BurlingtonBurlington, West VirginiaBurlington is an unincorporated census-designated place in Mineral County, West Virginia located along U.S. Route 50 where it crosses Pattersons Creek. As of the 2010 census, its population was 182. It is part of the Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area...
when he had captured Lt.LieutenantA lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
William F. Speer and eleven of the Ringgold Cavalry's foraging party. Romney was securely in Federal hands at that time and remained so until the Confederates moved into the Shenandoah ValleyShenandoah ValleyThe Shenandoah Valley is both a geographic valley and cultural region of western Virginia and West Virginia in the United States. The valley is bounded to the east by the Blue Ridge Mountains, to the west by the eastern front of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians , to the north by the Potomac River...
as part of their second invasion of the North (the Gettysburg CampaignGettysburg CampaignThe Gettysburg Campaign was a series of battles fought in June and July 1863, during the American Civil War. After his victory in the Battle of Chancellorsville, Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia moved north for offensive operations in Maryland and Pennsylvania. The...
).
- On June 7, General Lee commanded Imboden's cavalry to move against Romney in order "to attract the enemy's attention in Hampshire County." It is not clear exactly when Imboden took Romney again, for a Federal communication of June 13 implies that Romney was then being abandoned. Local tradition places Captain McNeill's Rangers in Romney around that time.
- On June 19, the Ringgold Cavalry moved through Romney in one day.
- On June 21, the Lafayette Cavalry came through Romney.
- On July 22, Confederate scouts were reported to be moving in the direction of Romney following the assignment of General Imboden to the Valley DistrictValley DistrictThe Valley District was an organization of the Confederate States Army and subsection of the Department of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War, responsible for operations between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. It was created on October 22, 1861, and was...
. After the retreat from GettysburgBattle of GettysburgThe Battle of Gettysburg , was fought July 1–3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War, it is often described as the war's turning point. Union Maj. Gen. George Gordon Meade's Army of the Potomac...
, Confederates occupied the ShenandoahShenandoah RiverThe Shenandoah River is a tributary of the Potomac River, long with two forks approximately long each, in the U.S. states of Virginia and West Virginia...
and South Branch valleys for a month or two until the Federals began to move in the area in large numbers. During the following months, Romney may have changed hands several times without official record.
- On August 4, the Ringgold Cavalry again occupied the town. On August 6 or 7, General Kelley passed through Romney as he moved his headquarters from HedgesvilleHedgesville, West VirginiaHedgesville is a town in Berkeley County in the U.S. state of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. The population was 240 at the 2000 census. The Town of Hedgesville was laid out in 1832 along the old Warm Springs Road and named for the prominent local Hedges family...
to New CreekNew Creek, West VirginiaThe town of New Creek is an unincorporated community in Mineral County, West Virginia. It lies near the intersection of New Creek and U.S. Route 50, and is south of Keyser. The ZIP code for New Creek is 26743....
.
- On November 6, Campbell's Federal brigade left Romney.
- On November 16, Confederate Captain McNeill with 170 cavalry captured 25 prisoners, 80 wagons, and 255 horses near BurlingtonBurlington, West VirginiaBurlington is an unincorporated census-designated place in Mineral County, West Virginia located along U.S. Route 50 where it crosses Pattersons Creek. As of the 2010 census, its population was 182. It is part of the Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area...
; this occurred during a time when General Lee felt that Romney, PetersburgPetersburg, West VirginiaPetersburg is a city in Grant County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 2,423 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Grant County.-History:...
, and MartinsburgMartinsburg, West VirginiaMartinsburg is a city in the Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia, United States. The city's population was 14,972 at the 2000 census; according to a 2009 Census Bureau estimate, Martinsburg's population was 17,117, making it the largest city in the Eastern Panhandle and the eighth largest...
were too strongly held for a direct Confederate attack. Lt. Col. John P. Linton and his Federals passed through Romney several times on his way to and from SpringfieldSpringfield, West VirginiaSpringfield is an unincorporated census-designated place in northwestern Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2010 census, Springfield had a population of 477. Springfield is located north of Romney along West Virginia Route 28 at its junction with Green Spring Road and...
.
1864
- On January 5, Fitzhugh LeeFitzhugh LeeFitzhugh Lee , nephew of Robert E. Lee, was a Confederate cavalry general in the American Civil War, the 40th Governor of Virginia, diplomat, and United States Army general in the Spanish-American War.-Early life:...
passed through Romney, which Maj. Harry GilmorHarry GilmorHarry W. Gilmor served as Baltimore City Police Commissioner in the 1870s, but he was most noted as a Confederate cavalry officer during the American Civil War...
and Captain McNeill had occupied a few days before; following their departure, Capt. Henry A. Meyers occupied Romney on January 8. Later in the month it was yet again recaptured by Confederates.
- On February 3, a detachment of Thomas L. RosserThomas L. RosserThomas Lafayette Rosser was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, and later an officer in the Spanish American War and railroad construction engineer. A favorite of J.E.B...
's unit (part of Jubal A. Early's command) entered Romney. In a complicated set of circumstances, Romney was occupied once or twice daily between February 1 and 3 inclusive. A detachment of the 8th New York Heavy Artillery was among the units involved.
- Sometime after the middle of March, Union cavalry moved through Romney.
- On May 10, Col. Jacob Higgins, commanding about 500 Federal cavalry, was surprised by detachments of Imboden's cavalry; he tried to rally his men "on the plains of Romney" but was pushed out of town. On May 11 Imboden departed.
- About two weeks later, the Ringgold Cavalry again passed through town on a scouting mission.
- About the middle of June, the Ringgolds passed through again.
- On June 26, part of the Union 6th West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment6th West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry RegimentThe 6th West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment was a cavalry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.-Service:The 6th West Virginia Cavalry was organized from the 3rd West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment on January 26, 1864...
scouted Romney.
- On July 3, the 6th West Virginia Cavalry returned to Romney.
- On July 4, Confederates rang the Hampshire County CourthouseHampshire County Courthouse (West Virginia)The Hampshire County Courthouse is a Neoclassical edifice in the center of downtown Romney, county seat of Hampshire County, West Virginia. The present building was constructed in 1922 to replace the previous 1833 Neoclassical courthouse that had been destroyed by fire in 1921...
bell in Romney to announce the approach of Federal scouts. During most of the month of July, McNeill and Harness were in the vicinity of Romney.
- On July 10, Confederates again briefly occupied Romney.
- On July 14, McNeill was again in Romney.
- On July 20, the Federal 6th West Virginia Cavalry again was in town.
- On August 3, Confederate general John McCauslandJohn McCauslandJohn McCausland, Jr. was a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army, famous for the ransom of Hagerstown, Maryland, and the razing of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, during the American Civil War....
, returning from his raid on ChambersburgChambersburg, PennsylvaniaChambersburg is a borough in the South Central region of Pennsylvania, United States. It is miles north of Maryland and the Mason-Dixon line and southwest of Harrisburg in the Cumberland Valley, which is part of the Great Appalachian Valley. Chambersburg is the county seat of Franklin County...
, occupied Romney for two days.
- On August 6, Confederate scouts stationed at Romney warned McCausland of an impending attack upon his forces by General Averell who came through Romney that day. Averell successfully attacked McCausland at MoorefieldMoorefield, West VirginiaMoorefield is a town in Hardy County, West Virginia, USA. Moorefield is the county seat of Hardy County. It was originally chartered in 1777 and named for Conrad Moore, who owned the land upon which the town was laid out...
and took approximately 420 prisoners.
- August 9, the 6th West Virginia Cavalry came through Romney; they did again on August 14 and August 17.
- On August 28 McNeill was said to yet again be in Romney.
- On November 6, Union scouts passed through town.
- On November 26, members of the 6th West Virginia Cavalry camped in Romney.
- On December 25 scouts from 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry22nd Pennsylvania CavalryThe 22nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry was a cavalry regiment of the Union Army during the American Civil War.-History:The regiment was formed in February 1864, at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, by the consolidation of two battalions, the Ringgold Cavalry and a battalion raised during the Gettysburg...
passed through town.
1865
- On February 5, Union cavalry passed through Romney.
- On February 21, the Confederate McNeill's RangersMcNeill's RangersMcNeill's Rangers was an independent Confederate military force commissioned under the Partisan Ranger Act by the Confederate Congress during the American Civil War. The 210 man battalion-size unit was formed from Company E of the 18th Virginia Cavalry and the First Virginia Partisan Rangers...
, now under the command of Captain McNeill's son, lieutenant Jessee McNeill, passed through Romney going to and from CumberlandCumberland, MarylandCumberland is a city in the far western, Appalachian portion of Maryland, United States. It is the county seat of Allegany County, and the primary city of the Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census, the city had a population of 20,859, and the metropolitan area had a...
, where they carried out the daring kidnap of Generals George CrookGeorge CrookGeorge R. Crook was a career United States Army officer, most noted for his distinguished service during the American Civil War and the Indian Wars.-Early life:...
and Benjamin Franklin KelleyBenjamin Franklin KelleyBenjamin Franklin Kelley was an American soldier who served as a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He played a prominent role in several military campaigns in West Virginia and Maryland....
.
- Maxwell and Swisher's History of Hampshire County states that Romney was held for the last time by Confederate forces on April 15, when parts of the companies line(?) and Harness were in the vicinity of Romney. Local tradition states that McNeill's Rangers surrendered at Sycamore DaleSycamore DaleSycamore Dale is a 19th-century Greek Revival plantation home overlooking the South Branch Potomac River southwest of Romney, West Virginia. Sycamore Dale is one of several historic estates along South Branch River Road...
near the Romney bridge in May.
- Edward H. McDonald and George F. Sheetz (two members of the "Laurel Brigade") came through town, escaping from VirginiaVirginiaThe Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
after General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court HouseAppomattox Court HouseThe Appomattox Courthouse is the current courthouse in Appomattox, Virginia built in 1892. It is located in the middle of the state about three miles northwest of the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, once known as Clover Hill - home of the original Old Appomattox Court House...
.
1866–1867
- June 1, 1867: First decoration of Confederate graves in Indian Mound CemeteryIndian Mound CemeteryIndian Mound Cemetery is a cemetery located along the Northwestern Turnpike on a promontory of the "Yellow Banks" overlooking the South Branch Potomac River and Mill Creek Mountain in Romney, West Virginia, United States. The cemetery is centered around a Hopewellian mound, known as the Romney...
.
- September 26, 1867: The First Confederate MemorialFirst Confederate MemorialThe Confederate Memorial in Indian Mound Cemetery at Romney, West Virginia, is considered the first official memorial to Confederate dead to be erected anywhere in the United States of America.-History:...
was dedicated to Confederate dead at Indian Mound Cemetery in Romney.
Civil War sites
- Boxwood residence (c. 1850), East Main Street
- Boxwood was used as a hospital during the war. It is said that each of the 56 changes between the Northern and Southern armies took place under the great elm tree in the front yard.
- The Burg residence (c. 1769), US Route 50 at Mechanicsburg GapMechanicsburg GapMechanicsburg Gap is a water gap mountain pass through Mill Creek Mountain in Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia....
- The Burg has been in the original family (Williams) for seven generations. It was used as a headquarters by both armies during the war.
- Davis History House (1798), West Main Street
- The Davis House was home to the Davis family which sent two sons to fight for the Confederacy and one for the Union. Now a museum, it features Civil War artifacts and period furnishings.
- First Confederate MemorialFirst Confederate MemorialThe Confederate Memorial in Indian Mound Cemetery at Romney, West Virginia, is considered the first official memorial to Confederate dead to be erected anywhere in the United States of America.-History:...
, Indian Mound Cemetery - Fort Mill Ridge Civil War TrenchesFort Mill Ridge Civil War TrenchesThe Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Trenches are battle trenches originally dug between 1861 and 1862 and lined with chestnut logs by the Confederate artillery during the American Civil War to defend the approaches to Romney on the Northwestern Turnpike and the South Branch Potomac River...
, US Route 50 - Hampshire County CourthouseHampshire County Courthouse (West Virginia)The Hampshire County Courthouse is a Neoclassical edifice in the center of downtown Romney, county seat of Hampshire County, West Virginia. The present building was constructed in 1922 to replace the previous 1833 Neoclassical courthouse that had been destroyed by fire in 1921...
, Main and High Streets - Hanging RocksHanging RocksHanging Rocks are perpendicular cliffs rising nearly above the South Branch Potomac River in Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Hanging Rocks are located four miles north of Romney at Wappocomo on West Virginia Route 28. Hanging Rocks has also been known throughout its history...
, WV Route 28 - Indian Mound CemeteryIndian Mound CemeteryIndian Mound Cemetery is a cemetery located along the Northwestern Turnpike on a promontory of the "Yellow Banks" overlooking the South Branch Potomac River and Mill Creek Mountain in Romney, West Virginia, United States. The cemetery is centered around a Hopewellian mound, known as the Romney...
, West Main Street - Liberty Hall residence (1858), West Main Street
- Traditionally referred to as Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's headquarters, the house and grounds were used by both Union and Confederate troops at various times during the Civil War. It was built in 1858 by John B. White, clerk of the circuit and superior court in Hampshire County, who fled to Richmond to escape arrest and served in the Treasury Department of the Confederacy.
- Literary HallLiterary HallLiterary Hall is the historic former site of the Romney Literary Society and currently serves as a museum featuring local memorabilia in Romney, West Virginia, United States.-Romney Literary Society and the First Literary Hall:...
, Main and High Streets - Romney Presbyterian Church (1860), 100 West Rosemary Lane
- The Presbyterian church was used as a hospital and stable during the Civil War.
- Sycamore DaleSycamore DaleSycamore Dale is a 19th-century Greek Revival plantation home overlooking the South Branch Potomac River southwest of Romney, West Virginia. Sycamore Dale is one of several historic estates along South Branch River Road...
residence (1836), South Branch River Road (CR 8)- Referred to in the General Lew WallaceLew WallaceLewis "Lew" Wallace was an American lawyer, Union general in the American Civil War, territorial governor and statesman, politician and author...
raid of June 12, 1861, Sycamore Dale was built by David Gibson in 1836. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wallace wrote a portion of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ here.
- Referred to in the General Lew Wallace
- Taggart HallTaggart HallTaggart Hall Civil War Museum & Visitors Center is home to the Fort Mill Ridge Foundation and its Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Trenches museum, the Hampshire County Visitors Bureau, and the Hampshire County Chamber of Commerce. It is located in Romney, West Virginia at 91 South High Street...
(c. 1790s), Gravel Lane and High Street- Taggart Hall is currently the headquarters for the Fort Mill Ridge Foundation Museum & Exhibit Center.
- Valley View residence (1855), Depot Valley Road
- Washington Bottom FarmWashington Bottom FarmWashington Bottom Farm is a 19th century Greek Revival plantation house and farm on a plateau overlooking the South Branch Potomac River north of Romney, West Virginia, United States. The populated area adjacent to Washington Bottom Farm is known as Ridgedale...
residence (1835), Washington Road (CR 28/3)
See also
- Romney ExpeditionRomney ExpeditionThe Romney Expedition was a military expedition of the Confederate States Army during the early part of the American Civil War. It is named for Romney, West Virginia, which at the time was still in the state of Virginia. The expedition was conducted in this locale from January 1 to January 24,...
- West Virginia in the American Civil War
- Winchester in the Civil WarWinchester in the Civil WarThe city of Winchester, Virginia, and the surrounding area were the site of numerous fights during the American Civil War as both contending armies strove to control that portion of the Shenandoah Valley.-John Brown's Raid:...