Chapter 9: The Union’s First Victory Comes in Western Virginia

Skirmishing at Laurel Mountain involving Confederate General Robert Garnett ends on July 11, 1861 and segues into action that same day at nearby Rich’s Mountain. It matches Union General George McClellan’s 2,000 troops against 1,300 Confederates under Lt. Colonel John Pegram. After a day-long fight, Pegram surrenders along with 555 of his men.

The victory makes a hero of George McClellan, while Robert Garnett becomes the first grey General to be killed in action.