Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a 287-acre site with a museum, observation tower, hiking trails, and interpretive signs that explain how troops moved during the battle. The layout allows visitors to walk through the actual terrain and understand the military positions from that day.

The November 6, 1863 battle was the last major Civil War engagement in West Virginia, fought between Union troops under Averell and Confederate forces under Echols. The outcome shifted military control in the region and reduced Confederate strength in the state.

The museum housed in a restored cabin displays Civil War artifacts like firearms, uniforms, and personal letters from soldiers, offering visitors a direct connection to the lives of those who fought here. These objects give a tangible sense of what soldiers experienced and carried with them during the conflict.

The park sits about 40 kilometers north of Lewisburg on US Route 219 and offers reservable picnic shelters and play areas for children along several hiking trails. Visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace on paths of varying length and difficulty.

Every two years in October during even-numbered years, the park holds battle reenactments where visitors witness military demonstrations, period-style social activities, and religious services as they would have happened. These events bring the routines and beliefs of soldiers to life in an interactive way.

Location: Pocahontas County

Inception: 1928

Elevation above the sea: 936 m

Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/droop-mountain-battlefield-state-park

GPS coordinates: 38.11000,-80.27222

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08