Near Winchester in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Jackson's Artillery on Sandy Ridge
The First Battle of Kernstown
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 29, 2026
1. Jackson's Artillery on Sandy Ridge Marker
Jackson's Artillery Plan
From his vantage point on Apple Valley Road about 1400 yards east of here, Maj. Gen. Stonewall Jackson realized Sandy Ridge's higher elevation (about 80 feet) provided a firing advantage over the Union artillery on Pritchard's Hill. At this point in the battle, Jackson decided to try to replicate his success at First Manassas by massing available batteries with supporting infantry regiments on Sandy Ridge. These 13 guns effectively suppressed the Union guns on Pritchard's Hill.
(1) Rockbridge Artillery
Location: Spread across a 200 yard front, south of where the Apple Valley Road crossed over Sandy Ridge.
Commander: Capt. William McLaughlin (Lt. Poague commanded one section)
Composition: 8 Guns (7 operational): 2 ten-pounder Parrott rifles along with 4 twelve-pounder and 2 six-pounder smooth-bore Napoleons
Primary Target: Union batteries on Pritchard's Hill, 1700(+) yards distant
(2) West Augusta Artillery
Location: Just north of where Apple Valley Road crossed over Sandy Ridge.
Commander: Capt. John Waters
Composition: Likely 4 twelve-pounder smooth-bore Napoleons
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Primary Target: Union batteries on Pritchard's Hill, 1500 yards distant
(3) Alleghany Artillery
Location: 100 yards north of the West Augusta Artillery's position.
Commander: Capt. John Carpenter
Composition: 1 section of 2 six-pounder Tredegar iron guns
Primary Targets: Initially the Union guns on Pritchard's Hill 1300 yards distant; then re-oriented to the west on Col. Tyler's Union Brigade on Sandy Ridge 200-300 yards distant
Erected 2026 by Kernstown Battlefield Association.
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. 39° 8.631′ N, 78° 12.814′ W. Marker is near Winchester, Virginia, in Frederick County. It can be reached from Jones Road (Virginia Route 621) 0.4 miles south of Cedar Creek Grade ( Route 622), on the left when traveling south. To reach the marker location on the Kernstown Battlefield Association property from the Rose Hill Park parking lot, take the Main Loop Trail to
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 29, 2026
2. Jackson's Artillery on Sandy Ridge Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in 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: Final Actions on Sandy Ridge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Actions on the Confederate Right & Death of Col. Murray (approx. 0.2 miles away); Other Actions On Sandy Ridge (approx. Ό mile away); Sandy Ridge (approx. Ό mile away); Caring For the Wounded and Dead (approx. Ό mile away); The Order For Retreat (approx. half a mile away); Fight for the High Ground (approx. half a mile away); Northern Victory, Southern Defeat (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
