Near Cross Keys in Rockingham County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Battle of Cross Keys

June 8, 1862

Photographed By David Graff, September 10, 1999

1. Battle of Cross Keys Marker

Inscription. General R.S. Ewell with 8,000 soldiers of General Stonewall Jackson's army repulsed a Federal attacking column of 10,500 under General John C. Frémont. After initial success the Federals were checked by the fire of Confederate artillery. Attacks by Union brigades led by General J. Stahel and Colonel G.P. Cluseret were turned back by Generals I.R. Trimble's and A. Elzey's Confederates. General Dick Taylor's and Colonel J.M. Patton's brigades were ordered to Ewell's support. Reinforced by the 13th and 25th Virginia, Trimble counterattacked and forced back Frémont's left. Frémont, seeing that his left was being turned, ordered his army to retire and take position on the heights on either side of the Keezletown road. The Confederates followed, but with night approaching, they did not renew the battle.

Erected 1964 by Virginia Civil War Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 8, 1862.

Location. 38° 21.754′ N, 78° 50.322′ W. Marker is near Cross Keys, Virginia, in Rockingham County. Marker is on Cross Keys Road (State Road 276) half a mile west of Port Republic Road (State Road 253), on the right when traveling east. Signs are at a hilltop beside farm fields. There is no paved

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pulloff but there is room to park on the grass beside the signs. Toward the northeast, the steep southern end of Massanutten Mountain is clearly visible. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harrisonburg VA 22801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cross Keys Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named The Battle of Cross Keys (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Cross Keys (approx. 0.3 miles away); Kyles Mill House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Cross Keys Battlefield (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Cross Keys (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Cross Keys (approx. 1.2 miles away); To the Talbot Boys (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cross Keys.

More about this marker. The woodframed descriptive sign is accompanied by a map showing the battle action (Photo #2).

Battle of Cross Keys Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Graff, September 10, 1999

2. Battle of Cross Keys Map

Cross Keys Battlefield image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Graff, September 10, 1999

3. Cross Keys Battlefield

View from Frémont's final position on the Cross Keys (Keezletown) Road toward Ewell's CSA forces.

Massanutten Mountain in the distance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Graff, September 10, 1999

4. Massanutten Mountain in the distance

Looking northeast along the Cross Keys Road.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2011, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This page has been viewed 1,220 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 27, 2011, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.