Near McDowell in Highland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Confederates Hold the High Ground
The Battle of McDowell (May 8, 1862)
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 17, 2023
1. Confederates Hold The High Ground Marker
Beyond the Ridge you are facing is Sitlington's Hill. On the afternoon of May 8, 1862, Confederate Gen. Edward "Allegheny" Johnson directed two brigades of Confederate infantry to take position on the hill facing the Federals across Bullpasture River in front of the Village of McDowell. As the afternoon grew late, the Federals crossed the swollen Bullpasture River using the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike bridge and advanced Johnson's position. The Federals gained some success until the Confederate line was stabilized by the arrival of Confederate reinforcements, including Gen. William Taliaferro's brigade of Confederate Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's Valley Army.
The Federals launched a furious attack against the Confederate center as Taliaferro and his regiments came onto the field.
As darkness fell, the fierce volleys continued claiming heavy casualties on both sides. Confederate Col. Samuel Gibbons of the 10th Virginia was killed, and Gen. Johnson was removed with a severe ankle wound. Shortly before 9 pm, the Federals broke off their unsuccessful attack, burned their camps and began to retreat toward Franklin.
(Caption):
This drawing by artist Alfred Waud, is a stylized depiction of Union soldiers attacking heights held by Confederate soldiers as was done at the Battle
this page online
Erected 2022 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 May 8, 1862.
Location. 38° 19.544′ N, 79° 27.935′ W. Marker is near McDowell, Virginia, in Highland County. It can be reached from Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1½ miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at Stop 5 on the McDowell Battlefield Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mc Dowell VA 24458, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, in the Alleghany Highlands, and specifically in the Potomac Highlands. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 marker: Two Plans Of Attack (about 500 feet away); Anthony's Burg (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of McDowell (about 500 feet away); A Road From The Past (about 600 feet away); Moving Uphill (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ravines (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Confederate Right (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sitlington's Hill (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McDowell.
Other markers no longer nearby. Battle of McDowell (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named The Battle of McDowell (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 17, 2023
2. Confederates Hold The High Ground Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 17, 2023
3. Sitlington's Hill
View is from the Union launch point in the village of McDowell.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 8, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
