Cross Keys in Rockingham County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of Cross Keys
Walker’s Flank Attack
— 1862 Valley Campaign —
Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, January 30, 2009
1. Battle of Cross Keys Marker
After repulsing the initial Union attack, Confederate Gen. Isaac R. Trimble’s brigade heavily engaged two brigades of Union Gen. Louis Blenker’s division near here on June 8, 1862.During the afternoon fighting, Col. James A. Walker’s demi-brigade consisting of the 13th and 25th Virginia infantry regiments reinforced Trimble. Walker marched his men along the Goods Mill Road on the Confederate right flank in an effort to move around the Union forces facing Trimble. Walker’s first attempt to attack the Federal flank was disrupted when he marched into a forward movement by Trimble against Blenker.
Walker’s second attempt placed his regiments at a post and rail fence facing three Federal regiments and a New York artillery battery on rising ground. The fence provided little cover in the face of canister fire. Walker’s commander suffered 47 casualties before withdrawing to the cover of some woods.
A short time later, the Federal attack ended when the senior Union artillery commander, on this part of the field a captain, feared for the safety of his guns and ordered them withdrawn over the objections of field-grade and
this page online
Erected 2003 by 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 1863.
Location. 38° 21.201′ N, 78° 49.049′ 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 second 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 (within shouting distance of this marker); 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 (approx. half a mile away); Cross Keys Battlefield (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mill Creek Church (approx. 1.1 miles
Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, January 30, 2009
2. View toward the forward position of the 13th & 25th Va. Infantry
More about this marker. In the lower center is a portrait of Col. James A. Walker who, ended the war as a brigadier general commanding the famous Stonewall Brigade. On the right is a map depicting the tactical situation between 3:30 and 5 p.m.
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 2,746 times since then and 43 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.
