War of 1812

 

According to the United States Census Bureau, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, was not formed until 1821, so it was not involved in the War of 1812. However, the region that is now Pocahontas County was part of Virginia during the war, and several skirmishes took place in nearby areas.

In 1812, Virginia Governor William H. Cabell ordered the formation of a militia to defend the state from British attack. One of the units raised was the 1st Regiment of Virginia Militia, which was commanded by Colonel James Patton. The regiment was stationed in Greenbrier County, which is adjacent to Pocahontas County.

In May 1813, a British force led by Major General Robert Ross invaded Virginia from Canada. Ross's objective was to capture the state capital of Richmond. The British force marched through Greenbrier County, and on May 23, they engaged the 1st Regiment of Virginia Militia in a skirmish at the Battle of Lewis's Mill. The Americans were defeated, but they inflicted heavy casualties on the British.

The Battle of Lewis's Mill was one of several skirmishes that took place in the Virginia mountains during the War of 1812. While Pocahontas County was not directly involved in the war, the region was affected by the conflict. The presence of British forces in the area led to increased tensions and anxiety among the local population.

In addition to the Battle of Lewis's Mill, other skirmishes that took place in the Virginia mountains during the War of 1812 include:

• The Battle of Craig's Creek (May 24, 1813)
• The Battle of Shepherdstown (August 28, 1814)
• The Battle of Bloomery Gap (September 30, 1814)
• The Battle of Scary Creek (October 16, 1814)

These skirmishes were part of a larger campaign by the British to control the Virginia mountains. The British hoped that by controlling the mountains, they could disrupt American supply lines and make it more difficult for the Americans to defend the state capital of Richmond.

The British campaign in the Virginia mountains was ultimately unsuccessful. The Americans were able to defeat the British in several skirmishes, and the British were eventually forced to withdraw from the state. The War of 1812 had a significant impact on the Virginia mountains, and the region played an important role in the American victory in the war.