Near McDowell in Highland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of McDowell
Sitlington's Hill
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 17, 2023
1. Battle of McDowell Marker
The Battle of McDowell was the second engagement of Confederate Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign. After being defeated by Union forces at Kernstown, just south of Winchester, on March 23, 1862, Jackson withdrew south in the Valley. In early May, bolstered by reinforcements, he moved west into the mountains to take on Union Gens. Robert Milroy and Robert Schenck, who had been advancing from western Virginia. Stonewall's troops seized Sitlington's Hill in McDowell on May 8, and held it despite several Union assaults. After the battle, Milroy and Schenck retreated north. Jackson returned to the main Valley, where he won four additional victories over Union forces before his legendary campaign ended in mid-June.
"We saw from our position - distant one mile, and on an elevation which commanded the whole ground that there were four rebels to one of our men."
Sgt. G.A. Stevens, 32nd Ohio, describes Sitlington's Hill.
Ready For A Historic Hike?!
This walking trail takes you to the top of Sitlington's Hill, a 2,800-foot spur of the Bullpasture Mountain situated along the Bullpasture River. This high ground was the key to the Battle of McDowell, and the Confederates anchored their defensive line here during the battle. You will see thick heavy brush and rocky slopes
this page online
About Your Hike
Posts with arrows mark the trail.
Make sure you are physically up for the strenuous 2.5 miles up and back.
Allow enough daylight for the return hike.
Stay on the trail.
Be aware of wildlife.
Wear appropriate clothing.
Pack out your trash.
There is no cellphone service on the trail.
Take a #civilwartrails #signselfie at the top!
McDowell Battlefield Trail
1-4 Trailhead
5 Confederates Hold the High Ground
6 Two Plans of Attack
7 Moving Uphill
8 The Ravines
9 The Confederate Right
10 Sitlington's Hill
11 The Battle Rages
12 The 12th Georgia
13 A Spectacular Show
14 An Attack Repulsed
15 A Reconnaissance in Force
(Caption):
Union soldiers attack over rugged terrain as they did at Sitlington's Hill.
Courtesy West Virginia and Regional History Center
Erected 2022 by Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and Virginia Civil War Trails.
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.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 17, 2023
2. Battle of McDowell Marker
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: Anthony's Burg (here, next to this marker); A Road From The Past (a few steps from this marker); Confederates Hold the High Ground (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Two Plans Of Attack (approx. 0.2 miles away); Moving Uphill (approx. Ό mile away); The Ravines (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Confederate Right (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sitlington's Hill (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in 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 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).
Regarding Battle of McDowell.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 17, 2023
3. Battle of McDowell Marker
The hiking trail begins in the center of the photo, at the right of this marker.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 374 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 17, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
