The Battle of Rich Mountain, fought on July 11, 1861, was a key early Union victory in Randolph County. Confederate Gen. Robert Garnett placed most of his troops at Laurel Hill, expecting a Union attack there, while leaving fewer men at Rich Mountain under Col. John Pegram. But Union Gen. George McClellan surprised the Confederates by attacking Rich Mountain instead.

With help from a local guide, Union troops flanked Pegram’s forces, forcing them to surrender. Though small, the battle had big results: McClellan was promoted to lead the Union’s main army, and the Union gained control of Western Virginia, paving the way for the creation of West Virginia in 1863.