Near Elkton in Page County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Shields' Advance & Retreat
Jackson Divides and Conquers
| | 1862 Valley Campaign | |
Photographed by Craig Swain, October 4, 2008
1. Shields' Advance & Retreat Marker
Having successfully driven Gen. Nathaniel Bank's Union army from the Shenandoah Valley in late May 1862, Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's "foot cavalry" had little time to reset. While one Union army under Gen. John C. Frιmont was bearing down from the north, another under Gen. James Shields was passing toward the Page Valley. If Shields could move quickly enough to overtake Jackson's force in the main valley, he and Frιmont could unite and attack with a superior force. Accordingly, Jackson made a rapid retreat along the Valley Pike toward Harrisonburg. In order to delay Shields' advance, Jackson ordered the destruction of the White House and Columbia Bridges in the Page Valley. As a result, Shields was delayed for three days and was forced to abandon the plan to cross the Massanutten and unite with Frιmont. By June 7, elements of Shields' army began moving toward Port Republic, crossing Naked Creek along the road to your right.
In the days that followed, Jackson defeated the two armies in piece meal fashion, first Frιmont at Cross Keys on June 8, then Shields at Port Republic on June 9. Both Federal armies were forced to retreat along the routes by which they had arrived. On reaching this area near Price's Mill (a later mill stands on its site), Shields' defeated army finally came to a halt and bivouacked before
this page online
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 7, 1862.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 27.929′ N, 78° 37.04′ W. Marker was near Elkton, Virginia, in Page County. It was at the intersection of Moose Bottom Road and U.S. 340, on the left when traveling east on Moose Bottom Road. Located just north of the Page and Rockingham County Lines, in a small park next to the Shenandoah Moose Lodge. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 6386 East Side Hwy, Shenandoah VA 22849, 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. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: History of Verbena (here, next to this marker); Rockingham County / Page County (within shouting distance of this marker); Shenandoah Iron Works (approx. 1.3 miles
Photographed by Robert H. Moore, II
2. Shields' Advance & Retreat Marker
More about this marker. To the right of the text is a map of the campaign, showing the Union advance along with important locations with related Civil War Trails markers. Inset with the map is a portrait of General James Shields and a photo of "Captain" Joseph Price's mill (circa 1900).
Regarding Shields' Advance & Retreat. This marker is one of several detailing Civil War activities in Page County, Virginia. Please see the Page County Civil War Markers link below.
Possessive form "Bank's" found, but the name is Banks, not Bank.
Also see . . .
1. Page County Civil War Markers. (Submitted on February 25, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Avenue of Armies: Civil War Sites and Stories of Luray and Page County, Virginia. (Submitted on March 20, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, October 4, 2008
3. Shields' Advance & Retreat Marker
The marker's location is within a park operated by the Moose lodge, but is only a few yards from Highway 340.
Photographed by Craig Swain, October 4, 2008
4. The "New" Price's Mill
Behind the lodge buildings is this mill structure.
Photographed by Craig Swain, October 4, 2008
5. Naked Creek
Like many tributaries to the Shenandoah River, the creek presented an obstacle to military movements. The rocky bottom could be crossed by foot traffic, but wagons and cannon could not easily traverse. Columns, such as Shield's, required bridges or proper ford location in order to advance up the Valley.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,894 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on September 14, 2024, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on October 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on January 13, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
