Near McDowell in Highland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Battle of McDowell
Jackson's Valley Campaign
You are standing on one of the pivotal battlefields of the Shenandoah Valley campaign. Here, on May 8, 1862, Confederate Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson and his 6,000 men defeated Union Gens. Robert C. Schenck's and Robert H. Milroy's 6,500-man commandes. Jackson's victory here gave him temporary control of the Shenandoah Valley.
The western edge of the Valley, where farmers produced a significant portion of the Confederacy's food, is over the mountains to your right. These mountains and the Valley offered concealment for Confederate armies marching north toward the Mason-Dixon Line, as well as an avenue of invasion for Union forces heading south. The Shenandoah Valley was a strategic corridor that both sides highly prized.
Heavy fighting here lasted from 3 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. Jackson's men captured the high ground early in the battle, repulsed uphill attacks from our left, and compelled the Federals to evacuate the town of McDowell under threat of artillery fire from the heights.
Jackson's triumph here secured his supply lines in the Shenandoah Valley, where he and his men soon won four more victories. Jackson's Valley Campaign drew Union troops away from the major Union thrust toward Richmond in the spring and summer of 1862. Today, Jackson's Valley Campaign is
this page online
"We'll yield not a foot to treason, and so we must fight!"
Gen. Robert H. Milroy, USA
"I am willing to die, for it is a righteous cause."
Lt. William A. Massey, 12th Georgia Infantry, CSA
Erected by Civil War Trust and Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1862.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 19.468′ N, 79° 27.948′ W. Marker was near McDowell, Virginia, in Highland County. It was on Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1½ miles east of Bullpasture River Road (Virginia Route 678), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 10561 Highland Turnpike, Head Waters VA 24442, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, in the Alleghany Highlands, and specifically in the Potomac Highlands. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Anthony's Burg (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Battle of McDowell
Other markers no longer nearby. The Battle of McDowell (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Battle of McDowell (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Battle of McDowell (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 347 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 8, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
