Near Arcadia Farm in Clarke County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of Cool Spring
Sharp Action at the Shenandoah River
— 1864 Valley Campaign —
Guided by a Confederate deserter well acquainted with the area, three brigades forded the river about a mile north of Castleman’s Ferry concealed by woodlands and virtually undetected by Early’s pickets. Federal skirmishers moved forward while the brigades formed a line of battle in the woods behind a stone fence on Cool Spring Farm (present-day Holy Cross Monastery).
Breckinridge, who was attending services at Grace Episcopal Church in Berryville when he was informed of the Federal cavalry probes, dispatched Gens. John B. Gordon’s and Gabriel C. Wharton’s divisions to positions in front of the Union line. While Confederate skirmishers engaged the Federals, Gen. Robert E. Rodes led his division behind the Southern lines to strike the Union right flank and rear. An attack by all three divisions threw the Federals into confusion, and they retreated across the river to the safety of their artillery on the east bank. Losing 422 killed, wounded, and missing (some drowned). Confederate casualties totaled about 295. Early continued his withdrawal to Winchester, where his army regrouped for the next phase of the Valley Campaign.
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 month for this entry is July 1861.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 7.566′ N, 77° 53.654′ W. Marker was near Arcadia Farm, Virginia, in Clarke County. Marker could be reached from the intersection of Castleman Road (Virginia Route 603) and Harry Byrd Highway (Virginia Route 7), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 3180 Harry Byrd Hwy, Berryville VA 22611, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Castleman’s Ferry Fight (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Retreat (approx. 0.4 miles away); Colonial Highway (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Cool Spring (approx. 1½ miles away); Judge Parker's “Retreat” & the Battle of Cool Spring (approx. 1½ miles away); Col. George D. Wells Leads the Way (approx. 1½ miles away); Confederate Counterattack and Union Retreat (approx. 1.6 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Cool Spring (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arcadia Farm.
More about this marker. On the lower left are portraits of Gens. Early, Breckinridge, and Crook. On the right side of the marker is a strategic map showing the course of Gen. Early's Washington Raid. It contains an inset map showing the action here at Cool Springs.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Markers related to the Battle of Cool Springs and Castleman's Ferry
Also see . . . Battle of Cool Springs. Detailed National Park Service summary of the battle breaking down the action into six phases. (Submitted on December 27, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2007. This page has been viewed 7,325 times since then and 195 times this year. Last updated on June 3, 2024. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 19, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on July 24, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on June 19, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.