This is the definitive work on a battle where both sides claimed victory, but in reality neither side won. It is the story of the disorganization of the Confederate forces and the dogged persistence of the Union army. Filled with personal reflections by soldiers, detailed yet highly readable descriptions of the battle, plus maps & photos, this book brings Carnifex Ferry back to life.
The highly sought after and rare book on the Battle of Carnifex Ferry, September Blood by Terry Lowry is available again, after being out of print for almost 25 years. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of this important early battle of the Civil War, Quarrier Press has reprinted a small number of this well-researched and highly entertaining book.
The book has a new introduction by Terry Lowry and is full of maps, photos, drawings, and engravings.
About the author:
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1949, Terry Lowry is a 1967 graduate of South Charleston High School where he worked on the school newspaper. He graduated in 1974 with a B. A. in History from West Virginia State College (now University) and studied Civil War History at Marshall University Graduate School.
A professional musician since 1965, he was contributing music editor for The Charleston Gazette 1970-75 and music editor 1977-78. Lowry spent two years with the Circulation Department of The Atlanta Journal and was employed for 20 years with the circulation department of Charleston Newspapers, Inc.
He published his first book, The Battle of Scary Creek: Military Operations in the Kanawha Valley, April-July 1861, in July of 1982, and also published September Blood: The Battle of Carnifex Ferry (1985); two volumes in the Virginia Regimental Series, 22nd Virginia Infantry (1988) and 26th (Edgar’s) Battalion Virginia Infantry (1991); and Last Sleep: The Battle of Droop Mountain November 6, 1863 (1996).
He co-authored with Stan Cohen Images of the Civil War in West Virginia (2000). Additionally his Civil War articles have been published in North South Trader, Wonderful West Virginia, and Confederate Veteran magazines, as well as the West Virginia Hillbilly. He has also been a contributor to the Time-Life series of books on the Civil War and remains an avid collector of Civil War memorabilia.
He was historian/curator of the Craik-Patton House, Charleston, West Virginia, for two years and since 2001 has been a historian at the West Virginia State Archives, Charleston, West Virginia.
In 2009 he published Bastard Battalion: A History of the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion in World War II, which critics have called “one of the best World War II unit histories ever written.” The surviving members of the 83rd appointed him Official Historian of the unit.
About the author
The West Virginia Historical Society nominated Terry Lowry for the West Virginia History Hero Award in 2026.
Terry Lowry is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the Civil War in West Virginia, as well as one book on his father’s World War II battalion. He recently donated materials collected for the latter to Marshall University. Lowry also has given many lectures and participated in living history groups, Civil War roundtables, and historic archaeology. He worked for three years at the historic Craik-Patton House Museum and is a retired historian from West Virginia Archives and History. A musician for sixty years, Lowry also has written about the music scene in the Kanawha Valley in the 1960s-1970s.
Lowry has made significant contributions to state and local history of West Virginia with his research and published works. His primary area of expertise is Civil War history, and he has authored or co-authored numerous works on the subject.
He co-authored his most recent book with Dr. Phil Hatfield, When Paper Collar Bandbox Soldiers Fight: A History of the 4th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865 (2024).
The 4th WV Volunteer Infantry was the only WV unit to fight in both the eastern and western theaters of the conflict, and this is the first comprehensive book on the regiment.
Lowry’s next most recent book on the Civil War was The Battle of Charleston and the 1862 Kanawha Valley Campaign (2016). It is the most extensive work on the campaign.
Other notable books on the Civil War in West Virginia include The Battle of Scary Creek: Military Operations in the Kanawha Valley, April-July 1861 (first printed in 1982.
September Blood: The Battle of Carnifex Ferry first printed 1985 and
Last Sleep: The Battle of Droop Mountain – November 6, 1863 (1996).
He also co-authored The Images of the Civil War in West Virginia with Stan Cohen (2000).
Earlier in his career, Lowry produced two works on Confederate units with West Virginia ties: Twenty-SixthBattalion Virginia Infantry (1991) and the 22nd
Virginia Infantry (1988). Both were part of the Virginia Regimental Histories Series and recently reprinted.
Reviews
Here is what was said about September Blood 25 years ago:
“An excellent digest of the action at Cross Lanes and Carnifex Ferry… no stone was left unturned (in research). And, it shows.” – Harold C. Gadd, The Charleston Daily Mail
“The definitive account of the engagement at Carnifex Ferrry … a high-quality book … covers the subject thoroughly … hightly recommended.” – Jeffry Wert, Blue and Gray Magazine
“Lowry is thorough in his treatment … three cheers for Lowry in his pursuit of regional history.” – John Dwyer, Military Images Magazine
“A detailed account of a significant Civil War battle fought in Western Virginia.” – Goldenseal magazine
“Although a small engagement, the author’s attention to detail produces a historical document which will record the events of September 10, 1861 for history.” – George McDonald III, North South Trader magazine
“The author expertly described the battle and explains why it took place … the author has provided an accurate and detailed account of this early Civil War engagement.” – Michael Mullins, Civil War Book Exchange
“Mr. Lowry states this is not the definitive work on this battle, however, I would disagree. This is the most comprehensive coverage I have read on this relatively unknown site … well-written coverage of every aspect of the engagement.” – Military Explorations magazine
