Confederates Hold the High Ground

Confederates Hold the High Ground. The Battle of McDowell (May 8, 1862). , 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 of McDowell.