Gen. Frederick West Lander, Transcontinental explorer
“Fire away You scoundrels!” – Gen. Frederick W. Lander, Battle Of Rich Mountain
Adventurer, transcontinental explorer and poet, Frederick W. Lander was nationally known.
In 1853, he had surveyed routes for a pacific railroad. In 1859, the Lander Road became popular with wagon trains.
As the Civil War approached, Lander’s offer to serve Gen. George McClellan "in any capacity, at any time, and for any duty" was gladly accepted.
On June 3, during the Battle of Philippi, W.Va., Lander, was atop of Talbott Hill, overlooking the town. The battle began on Lander’s order for the artillery to fire. The infantry rushed down towards the covered bridge, clogging the road. From the tents swarmed the Rebels for their horses, “like bees from a molested hive.”
Lander spurred his horse over the edge and down the steep hillside “at a break-neck gallop”, leaping a fence and thundering down the bridge. An observer described “Landers Ride” as “the most hazardous ride seen by man.” The men of Capt. Rufus Gale’s company followed by sitting down and sliding almost to the bottom.
A drawing of “Landers Ride” appeared in Frank Leslie's illustrated newspaper.
