On this date 150 years ago, the road to Beverly, Virginia, was opened by General Rosecrans' troops. Attacking Colonel John Pegram's Confederates, Rosecrans forced the rebels to surrender at Rich Mountain. At Laurel Mountain, General Garnett's forces had evacuated their posts, heading for the Cheat River valley after General Morris attacked the Laurel Mountain position. Altogether the Union fatalities for the two engagements were listed at 12, with 49 wounded. The Confederate estimates are not available.