Battle of Corrick's Ford

Other Names: None

Location: Tucker County, Virginia (now West Virginia)

Campaign: Operations in western Virginia

Date: July 13, 1861

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. George B. McClellan [US], Brig. Gen. Robert S. Garnett [CS]

Forces Engaged: 20,000 [US]; 4,500 [CS]

Casualties and losses: 83

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

Around noon on July 13, Morris overtook Garnett's rear guard at Corrick's Ford on the Cheat River, and attacked the retreating Confederates. Garnett personally directed the rear guard of the Confederate skirmishers in order to delay the Union attack. The running skirmish resumed and as Garnett again prepared to retreat, a Union volley killed him instantly. The Confederates fled, abandoning their dead commander, one cannon, and nearly 40 wagons. A friend in the Union Army recovered Garnett's body after the battle. He was the first general officer killed in the Civil War. Control of western Virginia was now firmly in Union hands and it stayed that way for the rest of the war. The campaign propelled Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan to command of the Army of the Potomac.