Battle of Cheat Mountain West Virginia United States

The Union army has concentrated their forces during the summer to protect the main highways through western Virginia.

Brigadier General Joseph J. Reynolds commands the Union garrison on Cheat Mountain that is supposed to protect the Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike.

Lee attempts to drive this force off the mountain with a complicated plan involving several columns that are to converge on and surround the garrison.

However, one of the brigade commanders who is scheduled to start the attack retreats at the last minute, forcing Lee to cancel the offensive.

As the Western Virginia campaign continues through a series of minor battles, General Robert E. Lee, who, despite his excellent reputation as a former U.S. Army colonel, has no combat command experience, has given a lackluster performance that has earned him the derogatory nickname "Granny Lee".

He is soon transferred to South Carolina to construct fortifications.

The Union victory in this campaign will enable the creation of the state of West Virginia in 1863.

The remaining Confederate forces in Western Virginia will be organized into the Army of the Northwest until it is incorporated into the Valley District of the Army of Northern Virginia.