Near Remington in Fauquier County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Battle of Kelly's Ford

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2013

1. The Battle of Kelly's Ford Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Near this spot, at dawn on March 17, 1863, Brig. Gen. William W. Averill and his 2,100-man division closed on Kelly's Ford. Included in Averill's column was 22 year-old Sgt. Truman Reeves of Orwell, Ohio. Alerted to the Federals' approach, 130 Confederates sheltered by a mill-race held the bluecoats at bay for two hours. Finally, the Buckeyes, close on the heels of a detachment of the 1st Rhode Island, gained the west bank.

The 7-foot depth of the ford and Averill's innate caution slowed his advance. It was noon before he reached Wheatley's Farm. There he was challenged by 30 Virginia horsemen. Abandoning the fight for the stone wall bounding Wheatley's lane, the Confederates retreated, reforming north of Carter's Run. The Federals followed, taking position in the edge of the woods 1,000 yards away. Both sides unlimbered artillery. The 6th Ohio was thrown out as skirmishers. Until 5:30 there was charge and counter charge across the intervening field.

Satisfied that he had stirred up a hornets' nest Averill broke off the engagement, re-crossed the Rappahannock and returned to his camp. Sergeant Reeves continued to ride with the 6th

Markers at New Location image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

2. Markers at New Location

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Ohio Cavalry until seriously wounded in the battle of Haw's Shop on May 28, 1864, when shot in the upper left arm. His arm was amputated and after several months' recuperation in a military hospital, he was medically discharged in early January 1865. A decade later Reeves, now married, moved to southern California where he became a successful businessman. In 1897, he was elected as a Republican to the first of two four-year terms as California State Treasurer.

Text by Edwin C. Bearss; Plaque Erected in Honor of Sergeant Truman Reeves by His Descendants, Roy and Nacy Muchlberger.

Erected by Civil War Preservation Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is January 3, 1865.

Location. 38° 28.643′ N, 77° 46.953′ W. Marker is near Remington, Virginia, in Fauquier County. Marker is at the intersection of Kelly's Ford Road (Virginia Route 674) and Kelly's Ford Road (Virginia Route 620), on the right when traveling south on Kelly's Ford Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Remington VA 22734, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Kelly’s Ford (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Brandy Station (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Kelly's Ford (approx. ¼ mile away); a

Kelly's Ford 150 Years Later image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2013

3. Kelly's Ford 150 Years Later

Photo taken 150 years to the day from the battle of Kelly's Ford.

different marker also named Battle of Kelly’s Ford (approx. half a mile away); Major John Pelham, C.S.A. (approx. 0.9 miles away); "Chestnut Lawn" (approx. 1½ miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Kelly's Ford (approx. 3.1 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Kelly's Ford (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Remington.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2013, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 829 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on September 18, 2017, by Samuel Paik of Gainesville, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 6, 2013, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.