GAULEY BRIDGE HISTORY

The Gauley Bridge, at the junction of the New and Gauley rivers, was the key to the Kanawha Valley during the Civil War. In November 1861, Union General W.S. Rosecrans defeated Confederate General John B. Floyd, a victory that assured Union control of western Virginia. Stone piers of the old bridge, which were destroyed by retreating Confederates in 1861, can be seen near the present-day bridge.

The Gauley Bridge community offers an auto service center, churches for all faiths, a U.S. Post Office, a bank, a grocery store, a public library, hotels, and more. Visitors to the community will be able to enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains while watching the New River and the Gauley River merge together to form the Kanawha River. If you enjoy fishing, don't forget to bring your tackle box!