The first major land skirmish fought between Union and Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War was fought on June 3, 1861 in what is now West Virginia. What is the name of this battle?

The Battle of Philippi was part of the Western Virginia Campaign of the American Civil War. The battle was fought in and around Philippi, Virginia (now West Virginia) on June 3, 1861. It was the first organized land action of the war, it is generally viewed as a skirmish rather than a battle.

With the battle ending in a Union victory, the Northern press celebrated it as an epic triumph. Congress encouraged by the news called for the drive on Richmond in an attempt to quickly end the uprising. This proclamation lead up to the decisive Union defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run in July near Manassas Junction, Va.

The "battle" at Phillipi brought overnight fame to Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, and was notable for the first battlefield amputations.