The Cross Keys Battlefield

[frontrank2]

I paid a brief visit to the Cross Keys Battlefield this morning. Located in Rockingham County, Virginia, it was the site of an important Confederate Victory for Stonewall Jackson during his Valley Campaign. Most of the battlefield is in private hands except for 533 acres. Today I visited Artillery Ridge where the Rebels posted their cannon.
Moving up the Shenandoah Valley in pursuit of Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's army, Maj. Gen. John C. Frémont's army encountered Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell's division at Cross Keys on June 8. Brig. Gen. Julius Stahel's brigade, attacking on the Union left, was stunned by a surprise volley from Brig. Gen. Isaac Trimble's command and driven back. Ewell's line on the high ground above Mill Creek was supported with artillery batteries. After feeling out other parts of the Confederate line with uncoordinated attacks, Frémont withdrew. The next day, Trimble's brigade held Frémont at bay, while the rest of Ewell's force crossed the river to assist in the defeat of Union forces at nearby Port Republic.

 

[frontrank2]

Stonewall Jackson wasn't actually on the field here for the battle, he met Ewell the previous night and felt enough confidence in Ewell's strategy and position that he left and went back to Port Republic.

 

[frontrank2]

Back during the battle the area was devoid of all the trees so the artillery would've had a pretty clear field of fire. And judging from the maps, this part of Artillery Ridge was actually occupied by infantry in support of the artillery batteries. The guns would've been located a little bit further to the north.

 

[ErnieMac]

Great photos. Seems you chose a beautiful day to visit.

 

[gjpratt]

We have a pre-Muster side trip planned to Cross Keys October 11.

 

[Rebforever]

As you drive out to battle ridge and visit their sign, the 52nd Va. was located in the open field as cover for the cannon. My GGrand was there.

 

[gjpratt]

We will look for it!

 

[Ashintully57]

My g g grandfather was shot and permanently crippled fighting with the 5th WV Infantry against Richard Ewell's troops at Cross Keys. I greatly enjoyed your photos. Thanks!

 

[Rebforever]

We will look for it!

There is a nice trail and you can see that field easily.

 

[Gandycreek]

Great pics ! It's been 25 years since I was there.

 

[Union_Buff]

Thank you for posting these fantastic photos!!!

 

[Lubliner]

I remember reading a book by the owner of the farm at Cross Keys. I may have bought it in New Market Va. back in the 1980's, but my memory is foggy. It was an interesting book, and if someone remembers the name of it, please post that and the author's name.
Lubliner.

 

[AlexPensFan86]

I remember reading a book by the owner of the farm at Cross Keys. I may have bought it in New Market Va. back in the 1980's, but my memory is foggy. It was an interesting book, and if someone remembers the name of it, please post that and the author's name.
Lubliner.

Battlefield by Peter Svenson https://www.amazon.com/dp/1580801862/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

 

[Lubliner]

Battlefield by Peter Svenson https://www.amazon.com/dp/1580801862/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

Yes, thanks for that. I discovered it wasn't published until 1992, so my date of reading was of course, thereafter. The copy Amazon showed was the 1997 reprint.
Lubliner.

 

[CWdiaryPA]

Bumping June 8, 2025 to remember this battle.

 

[frontrank2]

Bumping June 8, 2025 to remember this battle.

Thanks.