Looking for Camp Ashby near Harrisonburg, Va 1863

Dave D

Corporal
Joined
Feb 21, 2019
Reading the various reports in the OR of the actions of Gen. W.E. 'Grumble' Jones and the regiments within his brigade during and after his foray in western Virginia - the Jones-Imboden Raid - of April/May, 1863. Many of these reports were written while at "Camp Ashby, near Harrisonburg". I'm trying to locate this Camp Ashby.

The present day monument to Turner Ashby is located on the southeast side of modern day Harrisonburg but, Jed Hotchkiss created a map of the Shenandoah Valley (https://www.loc.gov/item/2005625052/) that shows two places labeled "Ashby" farther to the southeast near CrossKeys.

Does anyone where the 1863 site of Camp Ashby is located?

Thanx.
 
I would think your pretty close, as it seems they made camp near Mount Crawford May 21st.

Yes, when Jones' Brigade returned from their western incursion, it appears that the regiments scattered to various areas around Harrisonburg. I assume that forage requirements for their horses is a primary consideration for this dispersal.

Reports in the OR identify some of these locations : Mount Crawford (your reference) for the 35th Battalion, Dayton for the 7th Cavalry, Camp Ashby for the 6th Cavalry. I have also seen personal letters and memoirs that mention "Camp Ashby"; it seems to have been a well known name of a bivouac area.
 
Y
Yes, when Jones' Brigade returned from their western incursion, it appears that the regiments scattered to various areas around Harrisonburg. I assume that forage requirements for their horses is a primary consideration for this dispersal.

Reports in the OR identify some of these locations : Mount Crawford (your reference) for the 35th Battalion, Dayton for the 7th Cavalry, Camp Ashby for the 6th Cavalry. I have also seen personal letters and memoirs that mention "Camp Ashby"; it seems to have been a well known name of a bivouac area.
You might try the History department of JMU, I would imagine that there would be a staff member familiar with local ACW history. Doubtful many of the relic hunters who would know the location would divulge unless it is inaccessible due to modern building construction or other.

I found a camp based on diary and letter accounts describing topography, but alas it was paved over......
 
OK - I think I've found the site of Camp Ashby. Within the Southern Historical Papers, Vol 8 (1880) there is a story by a Robert W. North, Co B, 12th Va Cavalry, in which he describes how he was ordered to escort a captured Federal surgeon from Harrisonburg, Va through the lines and deliver him to Union General Piatt in Winchester. [ see SHSP, Vol 8, page 535-537 ]

North states that the 12th Cav and Ashby's brigade were encamped "below Harrisonburg, about two miles distant from the town, on the Valley Pike" when he received his orders. He and the Yankee surgeon made the trip to Winchester in two days and reported to Gen. Piatt's headquarters.

Upon arrival, the surgeon spoke with the general and arranged for North to receive a pass to return back through the lines. The general's adjutant was given orders to produce the pass; the adjutant asked North his name and where he was going. North advised that he needed to go to "Camp Ashby". North was given a written safe conduct pass and returned to his unit.

The location North described; two miles below (north of) Harrisonburg, on the Valley Pike (US hwy 11) is the current location of Rest Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery [see https://goo.gl/maps/yYHXEUzuuu5kwAi66 ].

So, unless I find a map or other specific descriptions that identify Camp Ashby, I think this must be the place.
 
Back
Top