Cloyd's Mountain

[JohnW in E.TN]

Anyone ever visit the site of this fierce little battle in Southwest Virginia? It is my understanding that it is in private hands, but I'm not entirely sure.

Anyone ever study this battle?


Regards,

John W.

[ole]

JohnW:
Not only have I never visited it, I've never heard of it.

Do you know when it was? Who was involved? Circumstances (clashing cavalry, recon running afoul of each other)?

It would be fun to run it down and get some details on it.
Ole

[ole]

Gawd, I love google.

Cloyd's Mountain, May 9, 1864. General Crook to be backed up by Averill was headed out to cut the VA&TN RR.

Privately owned. N of Dublin on Rte 100. 43 mi. sw of Roanoke and 5 mi from I-81.

Looks like it should have made it into the books.
Ole

[JohnW in E.TN]

It was a fierce one that doesn't get a lot of press. General Albert Jenkins was mortally wounded during the battle. It got so hot that it was hand to hand for a while, and the casualties were high considering the number engaged. I believe Cloyd's Mountain would be a huge draw for Civil War enthusiasts and an excellent place for educating children in this vital area of our history, but it remains one of the area's best-kept secrets. Here is a description from the NPS:


Cloyd’s Mountain


Other Names: None

Location: Pulaski County

Campaign: Crook-Averell Raid on the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad (May 1864)

Date(s): May 9, 1864

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. George Crook [US]; Brig. Gen. Albert Jenkins [CS]

Forces Engaged: Divisions (approx. 10,000)

Estimated Casualties: 1,500 total

Description: On May 9, Crook’s three brigades (6,100 men) on a raid into southwestern Virginia encountered a patchwork Confederate force under Brig. Gen. Albert Jenkins at Cloyd’s Mountain. Fighting was furious and hand-to-hand. Casualties were heavy for the size of the forces engaged: Union 10%, Confederate 23%. Jenkins was mortally wounded. Crook afterwards joined forces with Averell, who had burned the New River Bridge, and the united column withdrew to Meadow Bluff after destroying several important railroad bridges.

Result(s): Union victory

CWSAC Reference #: VA049 Preservation Priority: III.3 (Class C)

[larry_cockerham]

I hadn't heard of this one. I've been sidetracked down in Georgia during this timeframe. Thanks for broadening my horizons.

[JohnW in E.TN]

First heard of it years ago when I saw it on a soldier's tombstone. After I began studying the War in earnest, I found out one of my gr-gr-grandfathers was in the heat of the action there, with the 45th Virginia Infantry. From what I understand, the site is unchanged from 1864.


Regards,

John W.

[scone]

I have heard of it but dont know anyabout it thanks for shinning a light on it.

regards, steven

[8thvacav]

John,
My gg grandfather fought in that battle. He was in the 8th Va. Cav. under Jenkins Do you have the Regimental History of the 45th Va.? I have a copy of it if you would like me to look up anything. It has the rosters in it.
Martin

[JohnW in E.TN]

Hello Martin,

Yes, I recently obtained a copy of the 45th Virginia regimental history. Thank you for your kind offer. My ancestor was Samuel C. Davis.

Do you live in SW Virginia? Cloyd's Mountain is an untapped resource.

Warm Regards,

John W.

P.S. Like your signature!

[JohnW in E.TN]

Here's a good rundown of the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain from James Robertson:


http://college.hmco.com/history/read...oydsmounta.htm