Part of More Than 1,500 Civil War Stories to Discover
Civil War Trails Putnam County, West Virginia, invites visitors to follow the people, places, and events that left their mark on the region during the Civil War. Part of a network of more than 150 sites across the state and 1,500 locations spanning six states, these self-guided driving tours blend history with the scenic beauty of the Mountain State.
Putnam County sits along the Kanawha River between Charleston and Huntington, where communities once found themselves in the middle of Civil War activity. Today, Civil War Trails markers share the stories of the soldiers who passed through, the people who called the valley home, and the industries that kept the region moving during a time of uncertainty.
Jenkins’s Raid Reaches Putnam County
In August 1862, Confederate General Albert G. Jenkins led 550 cavalrymen on a 500-mile ride through what is now West Virginia. Over 21 days, his troops cut telegraph lines, captured Union soldiers, and destroyed military supplies as they moved through the region.
Jenkins and his men rode through communities along the Kanawha River before ending the raid at Red House on September 12, 1862. The campaign did little to change the course of the war, but it interrupted Union operations and gave the Confederacy a much-needed morale boost.
Today, Civil War Trails markers help visitors follow the route and better understand the challenges soldiers faced as they traveled through the rugged landscape.
The Kanawha Valley’s Strategic Importance
When people think about the Civil War, they usually picture battlefields and soldiers. In the Kanawha Valley, however, one of the most valuable resources was something much simpler—salt.
Before refrigeration, salt kept food from spoiling, making it essential for families and military camps alike. The valley’s salt works supplied a steady demand, giving both the Union and the Confederacy a reason to keep a close eye on the region.
Today, it’s easy to drive along the Kanawha River and admire the scenery. More than 160 years ago, those same communities and industries helped support daily life during one of the most challenging periods in American history.
More Than a Stop on the Trail
Following Civil War Trails through Putnam County doesn’t mean spending the entire day reading historical markers. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, browse an antique shop, or stretch your legs in one of the parks along the Kanawha River before heading to the next site.
Just across the county line in Nitro, the Nitro History & Wars Museum is another worthwhile stop for history buffs. Located in Nitro’s antique district, the museum is an easy addition to a Civil War Trails itinerary. Tour the exhibits, then explore the nearby antique shops before continuing your journey.
Plan Your Civil War Trails Putnam County West Virginia Visit
As the nation prepares to commemorate America 250, many travelers are looking for places that tell the story of how the United States came to be. Civil War Trails offers one way to see that history firsthand, connecting towns, battle sites, and landmarks across West Virginia and five neighboring states.
Putnam County offers a great introduction to West Virginia’s Civil War history, with stories that unfold along the Kanawha River and throughout the surrounding communities. Before you head out, visit Civil War Trails for printable map guides and an interactive map to help plan your route and discover even more historic stops along the way.
