Near McDowell in Highland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Battle of McDowell

Union Troops Attack Jackson

Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, February 27, 2009

1. The Battle of McDowell Marker

Inscription. Major General Edward Johnson commanded the Confederates on the crest overlooking the town of McDowell. Johnson spread his line along the hilltop, anchoring his right flank on the knoll to your right. Stonewall Jackson remained in the valley below, directing troops to Johnson’s aid. The Union commanders, Brigadier Generals Robert S. Schenk and Robert H. Milroy, feared the Confederates would haul cannon to the crest and bombard their positions. On the afternoon of May 8, 1862, Milroy attacked the Confederates here but was repulsed. The battle continued into the night. When Johnson was wounded, Brigadier General William B. Taliaferro assumed command of the Confederates on top of the hill.

“We were posted along the crest of this hill… We are within full range and their bullets whistle about us… We return the fire. More of the enemy now make their appearance from the valley below and they seem resolved to drive us from the hill. A batter opens on us from a hill near the village, but our [position] is so high that the balls pass over us without doing much harm.”
Charles C. Wight, 58th Virginia

Erected by Civil War Preservation Trust & Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1884.

Location.

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Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 19.39′ N, 79° 28.478′ W. Marker was near McDowell, Virginia, in Highland County. Marker could be reached from U.S. 250, on the right when traveling east. Located in the Civil War Preservation's Trust McDowell Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Mc Dowell VA 24458, United States of America.

We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Battle Rages (a few steps from this marker); The 12th Georgia (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Spectacular Show (about 400 feet away); The Confederate Right (about 500 feet away); Sitlington's Hill (about 600 feet away); An Attack Repulsed (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ravines (approx. ¼ mile away); A Reconnaissance In Force (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McDowell.

More about this marker. On the upper left is a sketch depicting the infantry line during the battle. In the lower center is a portrait of Union commander Brigadier General Robert H. Milroy.

Civil War Preservation Trust image. Click for more information.

2. Civil War Preservation Trust

To the right is a map depicting the unit positions at this stage of the battle.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Photographed By Robert H. Moore, II, February 27, 2009

3. The Battle of McDowell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,495 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 4, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. 2. submitted on March 30, 2009. 3. submitted on March 4, 2009, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.