Location: Frederick County, Shenandoah County and Warren County

Campaign: Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign (August-December 1864)

Date(s): October 19, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright and Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Lt. Gen. Jubal Early [CS]

Forces Engaged: 52,945 total (US 31,945; CS 21,000)

Estimated Casualties: 8,575 total (US 5,665; CS 2,910)

Description: At dawn, October 19, 1864, the Confederate Army of the Valley under Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early surprised the Federal army at Cedar Creek and routed the VIII and XIX Army Corps. Commander Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan arrived from Winchester to rally his troops, and, in the afternoon, launched a crushing counterattack, which recovered the battlefield. Sheridan’s victory at Cedar Creek broke the back of the Confederate army in the Shenandoah Valley. Lincoln rode the momentum of Sheridan’s victories in the Valley and Sherman’s successes in Georgia to re-election.

Result(s): Union victory