On Our Own Soil: 6th and 11th West Virginia Infantry

Guardians of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad

The American Civil War, often remembered for its large-scale battles and prominent generals, also featured smaller regiments whose contributions were no less critical to the Union’s ultimate success. Among these are the 6th and 11th West Virginia Infantry Regiments, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 8th Army Corps, whose tireless service helped maintain the Union’s strategic hold in the mountainous terrain of West Virginia. Despite their lack of fame, these regiments played indispensable roles in defending vital infrastructure and securing Federal control in the region.

The 6th West Virginia Infantry Regiment

Organized in August 1861 under Colonel Nathan Wilkinson, the 6th West Virginia Infantry Regiment was tasked with guarding the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) and Northwestern Virginia Railroads. These railroads were vital supply lines for the Union Army, and their defense required vigilance and tactical skill. While the regiment’s duties kept them away from major battles, their service was far from uneventful. Often isolated in blockhouses or along rail lines, they faced continuous threats from Confederate raiders and saboteurs.

One of the regiment’s most notable contributions came during the Confederate raid of 1863. That year, a force of 5,000 Confederates, led by General William E. Jones in the north wing and General John D. Imboden in the south wing, crossed the Alleghenies to destroy the B&O Railroad and threaten the Ohio River. Imboden posed a significant threat to Federal operations. In response to this raid and the perceived failure of General B. S. Roberts and others to counter it effectively, the Union sent General W. W. Averell to take command of affairs in Western Virginia.

General Averell assumed control at Weston and drove Confederate Colonel William L. Jackson and his forces back into the Greenbrier Valley by late June. Federal troops, including elements of the 6th West Virginia Infantry, were redeployed along the turnpike between Clarksburg and Gauley Bridge to fortify the region. Two companies of the 6th, alongside part of the 11th West Virginia Infantry under Captain William H. Mattingly of Company G (6th), occupied "Fort Bulltown." This strategic position was fortified with huts constructed from lumber brought down from Falls Mill. The detachment consisted of seven officers and 177 men.

The 11th West Virginia Infantry Regiment

The 11th West Virginia Infantry Regiment, organized in May 1862, served alongside the 6th Infantry in safeguarding the B&O Railroad. Attached to Wilkinson’s Brigade in Kelley’s Division of the Eighth Army Corps, the regiment played a critical role in maintaining Union supply lines and repelling Confederate incursions. Like the 6th, their mission often went unnoticed in official reports and contemporary accounts, but their steadfast service was crucial to the Union’s operations in the western theater.

The regiment’s placement at Fort Bulltown alongside the 6th Infantry exemplified their role in the defense of West Virginia. By securing strategic positions and patrolling key supply routes, the 11th Infantry ensured the Union’s continued presence in this contested region.

Quiet Sacrifice, Lasting Impact

The 6th and 11th West Virginia Infantry Regiments exemplify the quiet heroism of smaller units during the Civil War. While they may not have participated in grand battles or received widespread acclaim, their efforts in defending key infrastructure and maintaining Federal control were indispensable to the Union cause. From guarding the B&O Railroad to holding strategic positions like Fort Bulltown, these regiments faced constant danger and adversity with steadfast dedication.

Their story serves as a reminder that history is not only shaped by major events but also by the tireless work of those who defended their nation in the shadows. The sacrifices and contributions of these unsung heroes deserve recognition and honor, ensuring their legacy endures in the annals of American history.