On August 21, 1861, Confederate Gen. John B. Floyd and 2,100 troops crossed the Gauley River and set up camp at Carnifex Ferry in Nicholas County. A few days later, about 850 Union soldiers from the 7th Ohio Infantry, led by Col. Erastus B. Tyler, moved nearby but failed to scout or guard properly.

On the morning of August 26, Floyd’s army launched a surprise attack. The Union troops were caught off guard, and many fled. After a short battle, the Union forces were defeated, suffering over 100 casualties. This Confederate win briefly cut off Union communication lines in the region.