America at War

CHARGE!

Bayonets affixed, soldiers charge across the field during the Battle of Philippi which was reenacted last month at Walker Tavern Historical Complex. Many people forget that recruits were often in their young teens when they were called into battle.

The Battle of Philippi took place almost 150 years ago, on June 3, 1861. 

     It was the first organized land action of the Civil War. The battle, also mockingly known as “The Philippi Races,” was centered around protecting bridges and lines of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The Union, in an effort to protect these critical supply lines, “raced” the Confederates into the town of Philippi, Virginia (now West Virginia).
 

     The Union was lead by Brig. General Thomas A. Morris who commanded 3000 soldiers of the Indiana Volunteers. Col. George A. Porterfield of the Confederacy had 800 recruits from the area. The victory by the Union army was almost bloodless, and helped polarize the region as being against secession. 

     The Walker Tavern Historical Site in Cambridge Township hosted a reenactment last  month of the Battle of Philippi. Hundreds of volunteers camped and lived as mid-19th century Americans.

An injured confederate soldier gets some help limping away from the front line.

Carrying a regiment’s colors into battle was considered an honor and a privilege. It was very dangerous, and required an inordinate amount of courage. These young color bearers are ready for anything.

Not on my watch.

A member of the militia from around Philippi, Virginia draws a line in the sand as the union army approaches.