Cross Keys in Rockingham County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of Cross Keys
Trimble’s Ravine
— 1862 Valley Campaign —
Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, January 30, 2009
1. Battle of Cross Keys Marker
On June 8, 1862, Confederate Gen. Isaac R, Trimble led part of the 15th Alabama Infantry Regiment through the then-swampy ravine in front of you to attack Union Gen. Louis Blenker’s division. Trimble intended to move around the 54th New York Infantry Regiment on the rising ground beyond. He left the 21st Georgia Infantry, the 16th Mississippi Infantry, and the remaining portion of the 15th Alabama behind to make frontal assaults against the New Yorkers’ position.At about the same time, the 54th New York withdrew from its position when it lost its artillery support after a senior Union artillery officer ordered all guns withdrawn. Trimble erroneously believed his maneuver had caused the Union force to retreat. Later, as night fell, Trimble pressed his superior, Gen. Richard S. Ewell, to continue the battle. Ewell denied Trimble’s request and explained that the army had accomplished what Stonewall Jackson desired: to make Fremont timid about advancing on June 9.
Trimble rode to Port Republic to plead his case to Jackson for continued fighting. Jackson also denied his request. The Battle of Cross Keys was over. Caption:
this page online
Erected 2003 by Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation & Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1926.
Location. 38° 21.144′ N, 78° 49.052′ W. Marker is in Cross Keys, Virginia, in Rockingham County. Marker can be reached from Goods Mill Road (County Route 708), on the right when traveling south. This is the third of three markers found at this site (Goods Mill Interpretive Area/Owen D. Graves Memorial Cross Keys Battlefield Wayside). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Republic VA 24471, 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. A different marker also named Battle of Cross Keys (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Battle of Cross Keys (about 400 feet away); a
Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, January 30, 2009
2. View of Trimble's Ravine
More about this marker. In the lower left is a portrait of Gen. Isaac R. Trimble of Maryland who was 60 years old at the time of the battle and was one of the oldest active Confederate general officers. The aggressive Trimble was wounded at the Second Battle of Manassas in August 1862. After returning to the army, he participated in the Pickett-Trimble-Pettigrew Charge on the third day at Gettysburg, where he was wounded and captured. Trimble's wound there cost him a leg. On the right side of the marker is a map illustrating the advance of Tremble's and Walker's commands.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,654 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on August 12, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
