Cameron's Depot Engagement Marker

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Charles Town in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Cameron's Depot Engagement
"What news now?"
— 1864 Valley Campaign —

Cameron's Depot Engagement Marker Photo, Click for full size

By Don Morfe, July 29, 2012

1. Cameron's Depot Engagement Marker

On the lower right is a photo showing Locust Hill after the war, showing bullet holes and relic shells. The marker also shows portraits of Gens. Sheridan and Early, Lucy Washington Packett, and Lt. Henry J. Nichols.

Inscription. (Preface):
The Federal offensive in the Shenandoah Valley begun in May 1864 faltered in the summer with Confederate victories and Gen. Jubal A. Early's Washington Raid in July. Union Gen. Philip H. Sheridan took command in August, defeated Early at Winchester in September and Cedar Creek in October, burned mills and bars, and crushed the remnants of Early's force at Waynesboro on March 2, 1865. Sheridan's victories contributed to President Abraham Lincoln's reelection in November 1864 and denied Gen. Robert E. Lee's army much-needed provisions from the "Breadbasket of the Confederacy."

Union Gen. Philip H. Sheridan and Confederate Gen. Jubal A. Early jockeyed for position in the Shenandoah Valley for several weeks in July 1864. With Gen. Robert E. Lee reinforcing Early, Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant ordered Sheridan to remain on the defensive and protect his army. Sheridan moved his army north from Berryville to prepared works a Halltown, a movement that convinced Early, erroneously, that Sheridan was “timid”.

On Sunday, August 21, 1864, as Sheridan marched to Halltown, Early attacked Sheridan’s mile-and-a half long position on the hills here with Gen Robert E. Rodes’s infantry division. The fight lasted from about 9 A.M. until dusk, and the hottest action took place here. In Washington at 3 P.M.,

By Don Morfe, July 29, 2012

2. Cameron's Depot Engagement Marker

an anxious Lincoln telegraphed an officer in Harpers Ferry "What news now?"

The fight here resulted in 260 Union casualties and 160 for the Confederates. The victories that Lincoln needed for reelection came first in September at Atlanta, Georgia, and then in the Valley, thanks to the “timid” Sheridan.

This ruin is the northwestern corner of Locust Hill, he home of John B. and Lucy W. Packett. They and their slaves sheltered inside until Lt. Henry J. Nichols, 1s Vermont Heavy Artillery, led them to safety at Henry B. Davenport’s House. Nine Confederate artillery shells struck Locust Hill and set it on fire twice as Federal sharpshooters occupied the second floor. The house burned in 1973, killing six people.

Erected by West Virginia Civil War Trails.

Marker series. This marker is included in the West Virginia Civil War Trails marker series.

Location. 39° 17.436′ N, 77° 54.516′ W. Marker is in Charles Town, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Sheriden Drive. Click for map. The marker is behind the house on 120 Sheriden Drive. It is on the grounds of the Locust Hill Golf Course. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 Sheriden Drive, Charles Town WV 25414, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

By Don Morfe, July 29, 2012

3. Cameron's Depot Engagement Marker

within 3 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Locust Hill (here, next to this marker); Richwood Hall (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ruins of St. George’s Chapel (approx. 0.9 miles away); Harewood (approx. one mile away); Cedar Lawn (approx. 1.2 miles away); Hollis Pump (approx. 2.3 miles away); Martin Robinson Delany (approx. 2.5 miles away); Old Stone House / Star Lodge No. 1 (approx. 2.5 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Charles Town.

By Don Morfe, July 29, 2012

4. Cameron's Depot Engagement Marker

Credits. This page originally submitted on August 16, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. This page has been viewed 109 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. 3. submitted on August 26, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. 4. submitted on September 10, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.