In early June, the Union and Confederate forces clashed near the small town of Philippi in Barbour County, Virginia, now West Virginia. Union General Thomas A. Morris organized an expedition aimed at dispersing Confederate troops stationed in the area under Colonel Edward Johnson. On the morning of June 3, 1861, Union forces advanced with a combination of infantry and cavalry, surprising the Confederate encampment. The encounter unfolded rapidly, with Union troops employing effective tactics that took advantage of their mobility. The Union cavalry swiftly engaged the Confederate line, causing confusion and panic among the Southern soldiers. Johnson's men, outnumbered and unprepared, retreated, resulting in a complete rout.The battle was notable not only for its tactical elements but also for the psychological boost it provided to Union forces early in the Civil War. As one of the first significant victories for the North, it highlighted the potential for Union dominance in the region. Moreover, the outcome had ramifications for troop morale and recruitment, as it showcased the competence of Union leadership and strategy. The event also foreshadowed the importance of Barbour County and Western Virginia in the larger context of the war, as loyalties shifted in the region.