Carnifex Ferry Battlefield
A visit to Carnifex Ferry Battlefield is recommended for groups of all types on vacations to Charleston. An important Civil War battle site, Carnifex Ferry marks the site of the September 10, 1861 battle in which Brigadier General William S. Rosecrans led the Union troops against Confederate soldiers. The Union engaged the Confederates and forced them to evacuate an entrenched position on the Henry Patterson Farm which overlooked Carnifex Ferry. The commander of the Confederates, Brigadier General John B. Floyd, was forced to retreat across the ferry to the south side of the Gauley River and on eastward to Meadow Bluff.
At Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, the group can take part in a variety of fun activities and learn about the significance of the battlefield through interpretive historical programs and tours. Group members can go on a hike, play outdoor sports, visit a museum, or have a picnic. The Patterson House Museum is open seasonally from 10 am to 5 pm with historical displays and plenty of interesting information for your group to enjoy. There are other attractions near the park such as Hawks Nest State Park, Babcock State Park, the New River Gorge and Visitor’s Center, and the Gauley River Recreation area.
Carnifex State Park offers a special event, a reenactment of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry, every other year in the month of September. The event lasts two days and if you're lucky to catch the show, your group members will enjoy living history demonstrations in areas such as camp life, military drill, and a reenactment of the Federal assault on the center of the Confederate line. Prior to the reenactment, visitors can walk around the park and meet one of the reenactors as part of the experience. Group members of all ages will learn about this important battle and enjoy nature.
