Union Trenches Marker

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Near Middletown in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Union Trenches

By Craig Swain, September 29, 2007

1. Union Trenches Marker

Inscription. The main portion of the XIX U.S. Corps earthworks began here and extended one mile westward. Colonel Daniel Macaulay's 3rd Brigade, a part of Brigadier General Cuvier Grover's 2nd Division, occupied them with the 128th New York and 38th Massachusetts Regiments. The 176th and 156th New York Regiments left these trenches to form a line parallel to the Valley Pike north of this point to halt the Confederate attack. C.S. Major General Joseph B. Kershaw's main attack, coming from the southeast, hit this part of the federal line.

Donated to the People of the United States
by
Joyce and Jack Keller
of Hilton Head, South Carolina

Erected by Blue and Gray Education Society and Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation.

Location. 39° 0.751′ N, 78° 18.664′ W. Marker is near Middletown, Virginia, in Frederick County. Marker can be reached from Valley Pike (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling south. Click for map. Located along the walking trail of the XIX Corps Earthworks, preserved by the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation. Marker is in this post office area: Middletown VA 22645, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1st Maine Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); Molineux's 2nd Brigade (approx. 0.2 miles away); Union Withdrawal (approx. 0.2 miles away); 128th New York Volunteer Regiment (approx. 0.3 miles away); Battle of Cedar Creek (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cedar Creek The 8th Vermont Vol's (approx. 0.4 miles away); Frederick County / Shenandoah County (approx. 0.5 miles away); a different marker also named The Battle of Cedar Creek (approx. 0.5 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Middletown.

Union Trenches Marker at the Trail Stop Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain, September 29, 2007

2. Union Trenches Marker at the Trail Stop

Several low lying folds in the ground nearby are the remains of the earthworks.

More about this marker. In the center of the marker is a painting titled, "Infantry Skirmishers." On the right is a portrait of "Brigadier General Cuvier Grover, 2nd Division, XIX U.S. Corps."

Regarding Union Trenches. The Cedar Creek battlefield is interpreted by several markers. See the Battle of Cedar Creek Virtual Tour by Markers link below.

Also see . . .
1. Battle of Cedar Creek Staff Ride. The trail extends from tour stop four on the Center of Military History staff ride of the battle. (Submitted on November 7, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Battle of Cedar Creek Summary. The action here is discussed as phase four of the National Parks Service summary of the battle. (Submitted on November 7, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
3. Battle of Cedar Creek Virtual Tour by Markers. The related markers here follow a tour of the Cedar Creek Battlefield, October 19, 1864. (Submitted on December 8, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
4. Battle of Cedar Creek Preservation Efforts. Civil War Preservation Trust site detailing preservation efforts at the battlefield. The site includes a wealth of background information on the battle and an animated map. (Submitted on October 18, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Corner of Grover's Line Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain, September 29, 2007

3. Corner of Grover's Line

Here at a point adjacent to the Valley Pike, Grover posted Mccauley's Brigade, with the 128th New York and 38th Massachusetts extending to the left of the photo; The 156th and 176th New York Regiments formed along the Valley Pike, extending away from the camera's point of view.