Article: Swamp Dragons muddy the way of Rebel Raiders.(Saturday)(The Civil War)

During the Civil War, bands of partisans infested the hills, mountains and valleys of present-day West Virginia. These clans carried on vicious and quite personal warfare and were known by a variety of names. Formally called a Home Guard if Union or a Ranger unit if Confederate, some preferred monikers such as Nighthawks and Snake Hunters.

One of the more effective of these bands patrolled the High Alleghenies and was known as the Swamp Dragons. The Dry Forks Home Guard - as it was known originally - was formed early in the war in Randolph County by 21-year-old Sampson Snyder and his father, John. The two physically powerful backwoodsmen led a force that ...

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