From April 24 to May 22, 1863, Confederate generals William E. "Grumble" Jones and John D. Imboden led a raid into north-central West Virginia. Their goal was to disrupt the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, cut telegraph lines, and weaken Union control. Imboden traveled from Staunton to Buckhannon with 3,365 men, while Jones attacked from Petersburg to Morgantown with 2,100 soldiers.

Jones won a major battle at Fairmont on April 29, capturing supplies, burning the library of Governor Francis Pierpont, and destroying an iron railroad bridge. He then joined Imboden in Weston and later attacked oil facilities at Burning Springs, setting fire to oil equipment.

The Confederates covered 700 miles, fought several skirmishes, and caused significant damage, including burning bridges, oil, and capturing nearly 700 prisoners. However, their impact was short-lived, and the Union quickly regained control of the area.