The Civil War left a lasting impression on the Shenandoah Valley and its people. Today some of the battlefields on which the armies trod are still around for folks to see. These include Fishers Hill, much of Cedar Creek, Piedmont, Mc Dowell, Toms Brook, Cross Keys and Port Republic. Still other are situated so that the battle can be followed such as Front Royal and Second Winchester. Others such as First Winchester are completely destroyed by the spread of urban sprawl.
Many historic homes, farms, as well as mills and furnace sites are still in the Valley today. These are the real relics of the monumental events that took place in this beautiful valley. These historic sites provide a direct connection to those Valley people who lived,worked, and fought in the area.
In the coming months I will identify as many places with Civil War history here in the Valley. Come back to these pages to learn more about what there is to see about the Civil War in the Valley.Between April 1861 and May 1865 no less than 700 skirmishes and larger actions took place in the Shenandoah Valley and its surrounding area. Here is the story of sone of those soldiers and civilians in the Shenandoah Valley who had to endure the constant hardships and dangers of these uncertain times.
Historic Places in the Shenandoah Valley
Long Branch- A Burwell Mansion. One of the fine mansions in Frederick County, Virginia, Long Branch was witness to many events during the Civil War.
Columbia Furnace in the Civil War. Columbia Furnace was an important source of iron for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
The Iron Industry in the Shenandoah Valley Much of the iron industry in the Valley was dormant when the War began but that quickly changed when the first shots were fired. Mining in the Valley From salt to bat droppings, the Valley of Virginia was a rich source of minerals for the Confederacy. Shenandoah Valley Mills and
Millers. Visit Calvin Sonner's fine site about the valuable mills that helped to feed General Robert E. Lee's Army. Slave Auction
Block in Luray. A fascinating piece of history in Luray, Virginia.
Historical Lynchburg. A key transportation, logistical, and hospital center for the Confederate Army. Calhoun County (Now West Virginia)in the Civil war. Like many of the counties in the northwestern Virginia, Calhoun County was torn apart in the struggle for control of what became West Virginia.
Harpers Ferry The arsenal town of Harpers Ferry was the scene of the initial action in Virginia at the beginning of the War Between the States.
Mount Jackson The small Shenandoan County town of Mount Jackson was a medical center for much of the War. More than four hundred Confederate soldiers are buried in Our Soldiers Confederate Cemetery just north of the town.
The Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley This page contains a tremendous amount of information of the War Between the States in and around the Shenandoah Valley
General Officers in the Valley
John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry. Even before the War began, John Brown, a rabid abolishionist, raided the arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an attempt to start a slave rebellion in Virginia.
Major Harry W. Gilmor, Rebel Ranger from Maryland. Major Harry Gilmore was one of the most colorful men on either side during the war.
Champ Ferguson, Confederate Martyr or Murderer. Champ Ferguson was a fearless warrior but his reputation was ruined because of his alledged murder of captured Federal soldiers at the Saltville.
General Edward "Alleghany" Johnson. This is one of best sites on the Internet regarding a Confederate General.
General Richard Taylor General Richard Taylor was the Commander of the Louisana Brigade, "Jackson's Shock Troops", during the Valley Campaign of 1862.
General Isaac Trimble (CSA) Isaac Trimble distinguished himself as a brigade commander in Ewell's Division at the Battle of Cross Keys.
Captain George Stump, Comany B, 18th Virginia Cavalry. Captain Stump was from an area of Virginia with divided loyalties.
Colonel Sandie Pendleton. Colonel Pendleton served as the Assistant Adjutant General of "Stonewll Jackson's Staff. He also served in the same position for Generals Ewell and Early. Colonel Penderton was mortally wounded at the Battle or Fisher's Hill in 1864.
Major General John C. Fremont. One of the numerous "Political Generals" appointed by the Lincoln Administation who failed when he came up against "Stonewall" Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley.
The Gray Ghost in the Shenandoah Valley
Colonel John Singleton Mosby. Here is my page on Colonel Mosby. it contains lots of information including about 20 links to other Mosby sites.
Colonel John Mosby at WarThis is an interesting site that concentrates on the violence associated with the famous Ranger's activities.
Hearts at Home, Southern Women in the War This is a nice site established by the Library of Virginia.
Four years of war brought many more stories than will ever be known. For additional information check here.
Camp Roosevelt CCC Legacy Foundation News
Women and the War Between the States