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

Battle of Cross Keys

Slaughter of the 8th New York Infantry

— 1862 Valley Campaign —

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

Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, January 30, 2009

1. Battle of Cross Keys Marker

Inscription. On June 8, 1862, during the Battle of Cross Keys, Gen. Isaac R. Trimble’s Confederate brigade of a little more than 1,500 men occupied this line, a masked position behind a split-rail fence in what was then a wood line to your right and left. Shortly after noon, the 548-man-strong 8th New York Infantry of Gen. Julius Stahel’s brigade marched toward Trimble, but the regiment’s officers failed to put a skirmish line out front to locate the Southern position. Skirmishers from the 21st North Carolina Infantry scampered back to Trimble’s line to give him the news. The New Yorkers advanced blindly through a clover field in a two-line formation and over the rise just in front of you. An Alabama soldier later recalled, “Poor fellows, they did not know what was in store for them.”

As the Federals came within about 50 yards of here, the Confederates rose up and unleashed volley after volley into their ranks. The 8th New York suffered more than 250 casualties in the short span of 15 minutes. One Confederate soldier wrote home that as he looked over the ground in front of him he saw dead and wounded Federals “lying in the field as thick as black birds.”

Erected 2003 by Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation & Virginia Civil War Trails.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in

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this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 8, 1862.

Location. 38° 20.995′ N, 78° 49.533′ W. Marker is in Cross Keys, Virginia, in Rockingham County. Marker can be reached from Port Republic Road (Route 659), on the right when traveling south. The marker cannot be seen from the road. From the Carrington Williams Interpretive Site, one has to walk across Port Republic Road and walk approximately 100 yards to reach the marker, which is located on the right hand side of the wire fence, behind a small section of split rail fencing. 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 walking distance of this marker. Cross Keys Battlefield (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Battle of Cross Keys (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Battle of Cross Keys (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Battle of Cross Keys (approx. half a mile away); To the Talbot Boys (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Cross Keys (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mill Creek Church and Cemetery

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 18, 2023

2. Battle of Cross Keys Marker

Marker is significantly worn and discolored.

(approx. 0.9 miles away); Mill Creek Church (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cross Keys.

More about this marker. On the lower left is a portrait of General Trimble. In the upper center is a photo of the 8th New York Infantry in camp early in the war. On the right is a map showing the tactical situation around noon of the day of the battle.

Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, January 30, 2009

3. Battle of Cross Keys Marker

Note the Massanutten in the background.

Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, January 30, 2009

4. Battle of Cross Keys Marker

Position of the 8th New York image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 13, 2012

5. Position of the 8th New York

View of the New Yorkers as they approached the Confederate position which was just beyond the ridge line.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,149 times since then and 72 times this year. Last updated on November 9, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on February 17, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. 2. submitted on October 18, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on February 17, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. 5. submitted on January 3, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.