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Welcome
Nestled on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon near Summersville, West Virginia, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is an important Civil War battle site. On September 10, 1861 Union troops led by Brigadier General William S. Rosecrans engaged the Confederates and forced them to evacuate an entrenched position on the Henry Patterson Farm which overlooked Carnifex Ferry. The Confederate commander, Brigadier General John B. Floyd retreated across the ferry to the south side of the Gauley River and on eastward to Meadow Bluff near Lewisburg. This Civil War battle represented the failure of a Confederate drive to regain control of the Kanawha Valley. As a result, the movement for West Virginia statehood proceeded without serious threat from the Confederates.
Visit Carnifex April 26 – Gun- and blacksmithing demonstration
Gunsmith and blacksmith, Clarence Craigo and his wife, Dora, will be at the historic battlefield and the site of the Patterson House Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., demonstrating the art of blacksmithing circa 1790-1840. In period attire of the 1840’s, the Craigos welcome visitors to observe blacksmithing as he creates curtain rods for the museum while sharing history with guests. His forge will be operating from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A flintlock demonstration is scheduled at 1:00 p.m. Craigo will be on the lawn area at the museum.
Features and Facilities
Patterson House Museum
Three overlooks of the Gauley River
Four reservable shelters
Hiking Trails
Softball and Volleyball areas
Playground equipment
Restrooms
Horshoe pits
Picnic facilities with tables and grills
Click Here to Download a Park Map
**Download requires using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Click Here to get Acrobat Reader
You may also email us for a map of the park to be sent to you.
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield is an official Civil War Discovery Trail site.
 The Civil War Discovery Trail links more than 300 sites in 16 states to inspire and to teach the story of the Civil War and its haunting impact on America. The Trail, an initiative of the Civil War Trust, allows visitors to explore battlefields, historic homes, railroad stations, cemeteries, parks and other destinations that bring history to life. For more information on the Civil War Discovery Trail and other programs of The Civil War Trust,
call 1-800-CWTRUST. |
Home | Location | Special Events | Contact Us
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
1194 Carnifex Ferry Rd.
Summersville, WV
26651
(304)
872-0825
1-800-CALL WVA
carnifexferry@wvdnr.gov
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