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 —
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 in Middletown, Virginia, in Frederick County. Marker is on Valley Pike (U.S. 11) south of Virginia Route 727, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8624 Valley Pike, Middletown VA 22645, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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
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.