Winchester in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The First Battle of Kernstown
March 23, 1862
— Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign —
Photographed By Jay Richardson, August 22, 2020
1. The First Battle of Kernstown
March 23, 1862
"Believing that [the enemy] had other forces near at hand, I did not propose to walk into the net."
—Union Col. Nathan Kimball
Explaining why he declined to attack the smaller Confederate force during the early stages of the battle
Believing most Union troops had left Winchester, Confederate Gen. “Stonewall" Jackson marched north to attack the remaining Federals — only to find he was facing a full division. The Federals, commanded by Col. Nathan Kimball, stopped Jackson at Kernstown and then counterattacked, forcing him to retreat. Jackson's defeat became a strategic victory when his aggression prompted the Federals to send more troops to the Valley.
This battle marker has been generously gifted by LTC Rex M. Holmlin
Erected by Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is March 23, 1862.
Location. 39° 12.647′ N, 78° 7.628′ W. Marker is in Winchester, Virginia, in Frederick County. Marker is on Redbud Road, 0.9 miles east of Martinsburg Pike (U.S. 11), on the left when traveling east. Located in the parking lot of The James R. Wilkins Winchester Battlefield
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Battle of Winchester (here, next to this marker); The Second Battle of Winchester (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Rutherford's Farm (here, next to this marker); The Second Battle of Kernstown (here, next to this marker); The Third Battle of Winchester (here, next to this marker); Ritchie Interpretive Plaza (a few steps from this marker); Three Battlefields (within shouting distance of this marker); "Like A Thousand Bricks" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.
Photographed By Jay Richardson, September 1, 2020
2. The Ritchie Interpretive Plaza
Photographed By Jay Richardson
3. James R. Wilkins Winchester Battlefields Visitor Center
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2020, by Jay Richardson of Martinsburg, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 22, 2020, by Jay Richardson of Martinsburg, West Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2020, by Jay Richardson of Martinsburg, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
