Battle of Kessler's Cross Lanes

Other Names: Cross Lanes

Location: Nicholas County, West Virginia (Virginia at the time)

Campaign: Operations in Western Virginia (June-December 1861)

Date: August 26, 1861

Principal Commanders: Col. Erastus Tyler [US]; Brig. Gen. John Floyd [CS]

Forces Engaged: Approx. 1,000 [US]; 2,000 men [CS]

Casualties and losses: 172 total (US 132; CS 40;)

Result(s): Confederate victory

Brief Description:

The area was highly important because gaps in the Appalachian Mountains connected the East to the Midwest. The Virginia Militia acted quickly, disrupting traffic on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and taking control of turnpikes through the mountains. On August 26, Brig. Gen. John Floyd, commanding Confederate forces in the Kanawha Valley, crossed the Gauley River to attack Col. Erastus Tyler's 7th Ohio Regiment encamped at Kessler's Cross Lanes. The Union forces were surprised and routed. Floyd then withdrew to the river and took up a defensive position at Carnifex Ferry. During the month, Gen. Robert E. Lee arrived in western Virginia and attempted to coordinate the forces of Brig. Gens. Floyd, Henry Wise, and William W. Loring.