BATTLE SUMMARY
After the twin Union victories at Philippi and Rich Mountain, much of the pro-Union western Virginia was securely in Union control. Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan received the credit for the victories and was called to Washington, D.C. to command the Union armies in the East. The Confederacy called Gen. Robert E. Lee from his job as military advisor to President Jefferson Davis, and sent him to reclaim the territory in the rugged mountains.
Cheat Mountain was a key position in western Virginia that controlled the traffic on the major turnpike and several mountain passes. On September 11, in a steady, drenching rain, part of the Confederate force made contact with Reynolds's outpost. On September 12, as the morning rain continued to pour down, Lee pressed his attack, but his plan was too complicated for his inexperienced troops. The surprise attack on the summit never came, and Lee's plan quickly fell apart. Meanwhile, Reynolds received reinforcements and skirmishing continued on the 13th. Lee, having lost the element of surprise and knowing the Union troops held an impregnable position, withdrew his troops.
Lee's failure was severely criticized. Dubbed "Granny Lee", he was shipped off to South Carolina to supervise fortifications.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/610912.htm
Cheat Mountain
Other Names: Cheat Mountain Summit
Location: Pocahontas County
Campaign: Operations in Western Virginia (June-December 1861)
Date(s): September 12-15 1861
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Joseph Reynolds [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee and Col. Albert Rust [CS]
Forces Engaged: Brigades
Estimated Casualties: 170 total (US 80; CS 90)
Description:Gen. Robert E. Lee directed his first offensive of the war against Brig. Gen. Joseph Reynolds’s entrenchments on the summit of Cheat Mountain and in the Tygart Valley. The Confederate attacks were uncoordinated, however, and the Federal defense was so stubborn that Col. Albert Rust (leading the attacks) was convinced that he confronted an overwhelming force. He actually faced only about 300 determined Federals. Lee called off the attack and, after maneuvering in the vicinity, withdrew to Valley Head on September 17. In October, Lee renewed operations against Laurel Mountain with the troops of Floyd and Loring, but the operation was called off because of poor communication and lack of supplies. Lee was recalled to Richmond on October 30 after achieving little in western Virginia.
Result(s): Union victory
CWSAC Reference #: WV005
Preservation Priority: III.2 (Class B)