Elk River Ford

Civil War history

The Aug. 26, 1861, skirmish at Kessler's Cross Lanes, Va., was one of the initial engagements of the Civil War.

The fight, having commenced at 5:30 a.m., was quickly determined to be suicidal if they tried to resist. Being nearly surrounded by the enemy, the 7th Regiment was forced to split in two and retreat. One group led by Colonels Tyler and Creighton made their escape to Gauley Bridge, taking the supply train with them. The second group consisted of about 400 men, including about 80 men from Company H of Trumbull County. This group, led by Major John Casement of Painesville, without a guide or knowledge of the surrounding area, commenced their 3 1/2-day journey to safety.

The results of this engagement were disastrous for the 7th Regiment, with 1 killed on the field, 26 wounded, of which 9 later died, and 109 were taken prisoners. Some of the prisoners would be released after the rout of Rebel forces in September but many would be sent to the southern prison pens. This episode would strengthen their resolve and determination for the merits of the war.

A letter to the editor published in a local newspaper from William D. Shepherd recounts some of the ordeal:

"There are many good farms lying back hid among the hills, which are reached only by bridle paths or on foot. We left the battlefield and took a northerly course, just between the Gauley Road and one running almost directly north. There was not even a path, nor had we a guide. Heavy forests, entangled underbrush, long, steep declivities, rocks and creeks beset our way; still, we hastened on. Major Casement, Adjutant DeForest, and Sergeant Maj. King had each their horses with them, and got them through to Charleston. The perseverance of the Major, and the sagacity of his fine animal, surmounted all difficulties, and the other animals followed.

''I have not time to give details of our entire march. The first day we were obliged to cross a turnpike leading from Summerville to Gauley Bridge, at a place not more than three miles from Cross Lanes. ... On, on we hurried, and by 2 a.m. that night, after clambering an almost insurmountable mountainside, thought it safe to stop till daylight. After roasting corn, we lay down on some fresh hay in the road for rest until daylight, when we were off again without breakfast. At 10 a.m. Tuesday we halted at a cornfield and made a hasty meal. At 4 p.m., after crossing a mountain, we reached a ford on Elk River to be upon the other side was comparative safety. It was a novel sight to see 400 men wading the broad, swift and rocky river, carrying their guns and much of their clothing. On the opposite bank was a saw-mill. On every side were high mountains covered with the richest foliage. All crossed safely, and after a short rest went on again until dark; lay on the grass again until daylight; then on again without breakfast. We saved 6 miles of our journey by crossing a very high mountain, and again by twice fording the Elk 10 more were saved.

Elk River Upstream: Dabbs Ford Bridge to Rutledge (not Patterson ...

NOTE:   If you are offended by religious reflection, quit reading after you get the word “pretty” a few paragraphs down.  I offer no apology.  Not any thing that I can think of to write about is all about one thing and nothing else.  I’ve also included a little political commentary.  It would be a mistake to think of this space as primarily a paddling blog.