Federal forces win a minor victory in western Virginia and secure the railroad line between Washington and the West.
Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Federal forces win a minor victory in western Virginia and secure the railroad line between Washington and the West.
George B. McClellan orders Federal troops across the Ohio River to begin anticipated incursion into predominantly Unionist western Virginia.
Confederates keep a tenuous hold on hostile northwestern Virginia while Unionists consider seceding from the rest of the state.
Federal troops pour into Washington and talk quickly turns from defense to offensive operations.
A young Federal officer suggests a quick strike against the Confederacy, but General Scott prefers a more methodical approach.