Middletown in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Eve of Battle
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 13, 2018
1. Eve of Battle Marker
On the night of October 18, 1864, tents sheltering part of General Philip Sheridan's 32,000 strong Union Army of the Shenandoah blanketed the fields before you. Numerous supply wagons stood around Belle Grove. Above the banks of Cedar Creek, more tents and entrenchments faced south and guarded the Valley Pike's crossing. On the bluffs above the North Fork of the Shenandoah trenches and camps overlooked the river's passage. Following his victories in September and October 1864, Sheridan's army had conducted “The Burning,” a systematic destruction of the Shenandoah Valley. Most believed Early, with at most 14,000 men, was incapable of mounting another offensive and thought that warfare in the valley was almost at an end.
The Army of the Shenandoah settled down in its fortified camp behind Cedar Creek with perfect confidence that it was secure from any successful attack by the forces under General Early.
A veteran of the 121st New York State Infantry
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is October 18, 1864.
Location. 39° 0.828′ N, 78° 18.193′ W. Marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battle of Cedar Creek (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Cedar Creek (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ramseur Monument (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Eve of Battle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stand of the Eighth Vermont (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cedar Creek (approx. 0.2 miles away); Slowing the Advance (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Shenandoah Valley / Battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middletown.
Also see . . . Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park. National Park Service (Submitted on May 21, 2018.)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 23, 2020
2. Eve of Battle Marker
An identical marker is near the park headquarters.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 13, 2018
3. Eve of Battle Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 13, 2018
4. Eve of Battle Marker
& Battle of Cedar Creek Marker
& Battle of Cedar Creek Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 13, 2018
5. The Union 19th Corps parade in review before Union headquarters at Belle Grove.
Sketch by James F. Taylor, an artist for Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, 1864. Close-up of image on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 13, 2018
6. Jubal Early
Though outnumbered. Lieutenant General Jubal Early eluded defeat throughout the 1864 summer campaign, until he encountered Sheridan's determination. Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 13, 2018
7. Philip Sheridan
Major General Philip Sheridan knew that the war could only be won by tenaciously pursuing the Confederates and by depriving them of supplies. Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By James Holbrook, November 20, 2023
8. Eve of Battle Marker
View of marker and what it's describing.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 330 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 21, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on October 24, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 21, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 8. submitted on November 20, 2023, by James Holbrook of Hyattsville, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
