SW Virginia News

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) paid tribute to the Battle of Point Pleasant, which occurred on October 10, 1774. In a statement, he highlighted the significance of this battle as the first battle of the American Revolution, as acknowledged by the U.S. Senate.

Governor Lord Dunmore of the Virginia Colony had ordered Colonel Andrew Lewis to assemble an army from western Virginia and rendezvous at Point Pleasant, now located in West Virginia. However, Lewis and his men arrived a day before the scheduled meeting. They were unexpectedly attacked by a force of Shawnee and Mingo warriors, led by Shawnee Chief Cornstalk.

The battle raged for hours, with both sides fiercely engaged. By nightfall, Chief Cornstalk and his warriors withdrew across the Ohio River. The defeat of Chief Cornstalk's army had significant implications for the settlers. It opened up the ridge of the Appalachians, which had been off-limits due to an order from King George III and enforced by the Indian Nations.

Daniel Boone, a prominent figure in American history, played a vital role in leading settlers through the Cumberland Gap into the Kentucky Territory. The outcome of the Battle of Point Pleasant allowed for a surge of settlers to cross the Appalachians after 1774. This influx of settlers ultimately compelled the British to concede everything west of the Mississippi River to the United States, instead of the ridge of the Appalachian Mountains.

Congressman Griffith emphasized the lasting consequences of this battle for the Revolution and the growth of the American colonies, particularly in western Virginia. He stated, "On this date, we remember this important battle, as it had lasting consequences for the Revolution and the burgeoning American colonies and was fought by the western Virginians."

The commemoration of the 249th Anniversary of the Battle of Point Pleasant serves as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those involved. It also highlights the pivotal role this battle played in shaping the course of American history.

To learn more, click on this link: https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402932