Near Winchester in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Other Actions On Sandy Ridge
The Second Battle of Winchester and Second Battle of Kernstown
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 29, 2026
1. Other Actions On Sandy Ridge Marker
While Sandy Ridge played a prominent role in the First Battle of Kernstown, portions of two other Civil War battles occurred on this ridge as well.
The Second Battle of Winchester. In June 1863, Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia headed north in what would become the Gettysburg Campaign. Lt. Gen. Ewell's Second Corps led the way, attacking the outnumbered Union troops of Maj. Gen. Milroy defending the town of Winchester. Here on Sandy Ridge, Maj. Gen. Early's Georgia troops from Brig. Gen. Gordon's Brigade attacked the 12th WV Infantry, easily driving them off the ridge and back toward Bower's Hill where Union resistance stiffened.
The Second Battle of Kernstown. On the 24th of July 1864, Lt. Gen. Early's Confederate Army of the Valley District attacked Brig. Gen. Crook's recently formed Army of the Kanawha. Here on Sandy Ridge, Col. Thoburn's Division skirmished with Confederate cavalry throughout the day until Gen. Crook ordered him to attack. Before Col. Thoburn could strike, Early attacked and shattered the Union left and center. At this point, Col. Thoburn withdrew his forces to the outskirts of Winchester
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William L. Jackson, cousin of the famous Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, served as the Lt. Governor of Virginia just prior to the Civil War. Enlisting in the Confederate Army as a private, by 1863 he was in command of a cavalry brigade and was by then known by the somewhat derogatory nickname of "Mudwall." In the Second Battle of Kernstown, his units skirmished with Union forces on Sandy Ridge, eventually capturing the bulk of Col. Thoburn's skirmishers as the Federals withdrew north toward Winchester. Unlike his more famous cousin, Gen. "Mudwall" Jackson survived the war.
Erected 2026 by Kernstown Battlefield Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1863.
Location. 39° 8.799′ N, 78° 12.696′ 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
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 29, 2026
2. Other Actions On Sandy Ridge Marker
The "Sandy Ridge" marker can be seen in the distance to the right of this 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: Sandy Ridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Caring For the Wounded and Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); Actions on the Confederate Right & Death of Col. Murray (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Final Actions on Sandy Ridge (about 700 feet away); Jackson's Artillery on Sandy Ridge (approx. Ό mile away); The Order For Retreat (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Defense of the Stone Wall (approx. 0.4 miles away); Northern Victory, Southern Defeat (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
