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The first land battle of the Civil War began on the Covered Bridge in Philippi and continued south on Main Street of the town. The Covered Bridge was important to both the Union and Confederate troops as the Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike opened the passage of troops and supplies to both and gave access to the railroad at Webster. The battle is often called the "Philippi Races" as Confederate troops fled south quickly and the town was occupied by Union forces.

After the defeat of the Confederate forces at Philippi, Confederate General Garnett moved about 3,500 troops to Laurel Hill (Belington). On July 6, Union General McClellan ordered General Morris to advance from Philippi to Belington with about 5,000 Union Troops. Skirmishing began on July 7 and lasted through July 11, 1861, with the Union routing the Confederate troops. See website: www.battleoflaurelhill.org

The town of Beverly was the southernmost point of the Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike. The Turnpike, completed in 1852, joined the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike was commissioned in 1826 to run from Staunton, Va. to what was then the Northwest Territory on the Ohio River. Construction began during the 1840’s.

On July 11, 1861, Union troops under the command of General George B. McClellan defeated Confederates holding the pass over Rich Mountain along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. This gave Union Forces control of the turnpike and access to the B&O Railroad, and also control of the Tygarts Valley.

Upon hearing of the simultaneous defeat of forces to his rear at Rich Mountain, Confederate General Garnett retreated with his troops from Laurel Hill to Corrick's Ford near Parsons.

Union Control was now established over much of western Virginia and led to the formation of the state of West Virginia.

Today, U.S. 250 tracks the former Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike in Pocahontas, Randolph and Barbour Counties. State Route 47 tracks the turnpike in Gilmer, Ritchie, Wirt and Wood counties.

According to an article in the Charleston Daily Mail, June 23, 2003, Duke Talbott, History Professor at Glenville State College said, “The term “Sold down the river” originated with the turnpike. Slaves were marched from Clarksburg to Parkersburg, where they were sold and shipped down the Ohio River.

The Ritchie County community of Burnt House got its name after a slave burned an inn on the turnpike. She had helped her lover escape and, knowing she would be punished, set fire to the inn and killed herself.”

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The Covered bridge in Philippi was built by Lemuel Chenoweth in 1852 and continues as the only two-lane covered bridge on a federal highway. Restrooms and parking are located in the Vietnam Park. Parking is also available across the river at the Blue and Gray Park to view the flags displayed over Philippi on June 3, 1861.

Follow US 250 12 miles south from Philippi over parts of the old Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike to the town of Belington. The road to the Laurel Hill battlefield site is marked. Continue on the "Beverly Pike" for 4 miles to the battlefield site, where there is a turning area and picnic tables.

Drive over the old Turnpike on Laurel Mountain Road to Elkins in Randolph County or return to US 250. Continue on US 250 and follow US 33 (Corridor H) to Elkins. In Elkins, take US 219/250 to Beverly. The Rich Mountain battlefield is located 5 miles west of Beverly on Rich Mountain Road. Camp Garnett, site of the Confederate encampment and earthworks, is approximately 1 1/2 miles beyond the battlefield. Interpretive signs mark the location of key positions and important happenings at these sites.

Stop by the Rich Mountain Battlefield Visitors Center on Files Creek Road just off the main street in Beverly for directions and information. The center has a gift shop and interpretive exhibit. For more information, call 1-304-637-RICH (7424). The center is open daily from 10 to 4pm in the summer and 9 to 3pm Monday-Friday in the off-season

A self-guided walking tour of Beverly is available featuring the town square, the Beverly Presbyterian Church, the Laura Arnold House, Bosworth Blackman Store (now the Randolph county Museum) Beverly Bank, the Beverly Union Hospital, the Crawford House and two 1800 jail structures. Tours of the Lemuel Chenoweth house can be arranged. Chenoweth was builder of the Philippi Covered Bridge. Information and brochures are available in the Rich Mountain Battlefield Visitors Center.