Near Middletown in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Shenandoah Valley / Battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 23, 2020
The Shenandoah Valley
Welcome to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, renowned in story and song. The valley has been home to American Indians and early settlers from Germany, Ireland, and Scotland who followed the Indians' Warrior Path and turned it into the Great Wagon Road. Tidewater gentry crossed the Blue Ridge and brought the practice of enslaving African Americans to the region. All were drawn to the area by the limestone soils and rivers and streams—all of which contributed to successful agricultural enterprises. When the Civil War erupted in 1861, both North and South sought to control the area. In the postwar years the Valley recovered. Today it is once again a vital transportation corridor.
There are names which ring like bells in history, and Shenandoah is one of them, for it is not only a river, but also a valley, a valley consecrated by the lifeblood of brave men.
Julia Davis, The Shenandoah, 1945
From Backcountry…to Breadbasket…to Battlefield…and Beyond
Battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864
In the fall of 1864 both the Union and the Confederacy knew they were in a fight to the finish. On October 19th General Jubal Early's Confederates launched a predawn attack here at Cedar Creek and drove Union troops out of their lines and through Middletown in disarray. Many of the Confederates stopped to collect Union prisoners and supplies that had been left behind. Union General Philip Sheridan, however, rallied his troops and turned the Confederate victory into a total defeat. The Shenandoah Valley was now in Union hands.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is October 19, 1864.
Location. 39° 0.679′ N, 78° 18.336′ W. Marker is near Middletown, Virginia, in Frederick County. Marker can be reached from Valley Pike (U.S. 11) 0.3 miles north of Water Plant Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8693 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. Slowing the Advance (here, next to this marker); Eve of Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Stand of the Eighth Vermont (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cedar Creek (about 700 feet away); Signal Knob During the Civil War (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Eve of Battle
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 23, 2020
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 23, 2020
Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 24, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.