Spy Rock
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Images


Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
Spy Rock is a natural landmark. It is located on U.S. 60 along the old James River and Kanawha Turnpike. It is eighteen miles east of Hawks Nest and lies almost halfway between Charleston and Lewisburg. Spy Rock is elevated at 2510 feet and overlooks the Sewell Mountains.
Prior to the Civil War, Native Americans used the site and referred to it as “Rock of Eyes." During the Civil War both Union and Confederate Soldiers. To the soldiers it was known as “Spy Rock” and was used for observation. After the Battle of Carnifex Ferry, Union forces led by General Jacob Cox occupied Spy Rock while pursuing the Confederates.
Between September and October 1861, while Union and Confederate forces scuffled along the turnpike, they moved into position for a battle that would take place at Sewell Mountain. General Cox established Spy Rock as his headquarters. General Robert E. Lee set up at Sewell Mountain; this caused Cox to call General William Rosecrans for reinforcements.
Late October 1861 saw record rainfall in the area. It caused the turnpike to become extremely muddy and no one could move. Forces became sick and hungry and caused more casualties than actual fighting. General Cox decided to move to Gauley Bridge due to 500 of his men being sick. While Cox fell back to Gauley Bridge, General Lee retreated to Meadow Bluff.
Cite This Entry
Maple, Laura, Steven Cody Straley, and Robert Simmons. "Spy Rock." Clio: Your Guide to History. September 29, 2018. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://theclio.com/entry/16132