Скачать или смотреть Princeton, West Virginia! Mercer County, Oakwood Cemetery Confederate Memorial (Oct 11, 2024)

Salute! The Confederate Memorial in Oakwood Cemetery, Princeton, West Virginia! (taken Oct 11, 2024, RJ)

This area was heavily pro-Confederate during and after the war. Historian Richard O. Curry estimated that Mercer County was among the 24 West Virginia counties with a pro-Confederate majority, with an approximate vote of 34,677 against secession and 19,121 in favor across West Virginia.

The Battle of Pigeon Roost (aka Battle of Princeton Courthouse) (May 16–18, 1862) in Princeton was a significant event where Confederate forces, led by Brigadier General Henry Heth, defeated Union troops. The Confederate 51st Virginia Infantry ambushed the Union troops from Pigeon Roost, resulting in significant casualties and prisoners for the Federals. Following the ambush, Cox withdrew his forces, handing the Confederates the victory.

Several companies of Confederate troops were recruited from Mercer County, particularly from the eastern portion along the New River. Specific units included the 8th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry (Confederate) which included Company D (French’s Company), Company E (Border Rangers), and Company H (Tazewell Troop) from Mercer County.

The 23rd Battalion, Virginia Infantry Reserves (Confederate) also had recruits from the region. Other units, such as Company G of the 2nd Virginia Infantry, under Captain Robert A. Richardson, and Company B under Captain Napoleon B. French, were formed in Mercer County.

#salute #heritage #cemetery #veterans #csa #memorial #america #battle