Battle of Scary Creek

The Battle of Scary Creek was a minor battle fought during the American Civil War across the Kanawha River from present day Nitro in Putnam County, West Virginia on July 17, 1861.

Battle of Scary Creek, Putnam County, Virginia, 1861

Battle of Scary Creek
Part of the American Civil War
Date July 17, 1861 Location Mouth of Scary Creek, Kanawha River to Nitro now in Putnam County, West Virginia Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States of America (Union)	Confederate States of America
Commanders and leaders
Jacob Dolson Cox John W. Lowe	Henry A. Wise George S. Patton, Sr (WIA) Albert G. Jenkins
Strength
1,000+ (est.)	800
Casualties and losses
14 killed, 30 wounded, 7 captured	4 killed, 6 wounded

Background

The battle occurred four months after the beginning of the war and days before the first major battle at Manassas (Bull Run). Union forces under General Jacob Cox began a push up the Kanawha Valley from Ohio. Confederate General Henry A. Wise commanded a few thousand troops stationed near present-day St. Albans, WV.

Battle

The battle occurred when Union regiments advanced toward the Confederate camp. Lieutenant Colonel George S. Patton, the grandfather of the famous George S. Patton of World War II, commanded the Confederate line behind Harlem Creek, 2 miles from the main Confederate camp.

Post-Battle Confusion

After the Federal forces began falling back, for some reason, the Confederates thought that fresh Union reinforcements were arriving and the result was a retreat by both sides. The Confederates realized their mistake, however, and returned to the battlefield to claim victory.

Aftermath

Despite tactical victory, General Wise, in a highly criticized move, decided to withdraw back up the Kanawha Valley toward the Confederate supply bases in Fayette and Greenbrier Counties. Thus, the victory was hollow for the South. Wise's retreat resulted in most of the Kanawha Valley falling into Union hands.

Casualties were rather light considering the ferocity of the battle. The Union lost 14 killed, approximately 30 wounded, and several missing. The Confederates lost between 1-5 killed, and a half a dozen wounded, including Lieutenant Colonel Patton.

Sources

• Lowry, Terry. The Battle of Scary Creek: Military Operations in the Kanawha Valley, April–July 1861. Quarrier Press; 2 edition (April 1998).