At the start of the Civil War, both the North and South saw Western Virginia as a key area because of its resources, strong recruits, and the important B&O Railroad. When Confederate troops threatened the railroad at Grafton, Union forces responded quickly. On June 3, 1861, about 3,000 Union troops surprised 800 Confederate soldiers at Philippi, forcing them to retreat in what became jokingly called the “Philippi Races.”

Though the battle was small, it had big effects. It helped the Union keep control of the B&O Railroad, inspired pro-Union support in Western Virginia, and led to the formation of a new, loyal Virginia government. It also helped General McClellan rise in rank and featured the war’s first amputations, including that of James Hanger, who later started a major prosthetics company.