On Elleber Sods Road (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling south.
Two miles west on the former Staunton-to-Parkersburg Turnpike is Camp Allegheny, the highest Civil War fortification east of the Mississippi. Its rolling meadows and spectacular views belie a punishing winter climate. The turnpike was completed in . . . — — Map (db m32880) HM
On U.S. 250 at Forest Service Road, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 250.
Highland County. Formed in 1847 from Pendleton and Bath, and given its name because of its mountains. The battle of McDowell, 1862, was fought in this county.
West Virginia. West Virginia was long a part of Virginia. Morgan Morgan . . . — — Map (db m32910) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
When the Federals launched their attack at the Battle of McDowell, Union Gens. Robert C. Schenck and Robert H. Milroy intended it as a "reconnaissance in force," an attack designed to test the strength of the Confederate line.
Confederate . . . — — Map (db m239358) HM
On Highland Turnpike (Virginia Route 250) 1.5 miles east of Water Tank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
In front of you is the original road trace of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. The turnpike was built between 1838-1850, to provide a roadway from Staunton, Virginia, and the upper Shenandoah Valley to the Ohio River at present-day Parkersburg, . . . — — Map (db m235875) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
As night fell, the battle still raged. The growing darkness falling made it difficult to see the enemy, and soldiers resorted to firing at their opponent's muzzle flashes in the woods.
Frank S. Reader, a post-war newspaper editor and member . . . — — Map (db m239302) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
When the Federals launched their attack, the 25th Ohio and 75th Ohio assaulted this position on the Confederate left. The defenders here included the 52nd, 58th, and 44th Virginia Infantry, with the 52nd on the far left.
The Union soldiers . . . — — Map (db m239320) HM
On Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Water Tank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
The parking lot you are standing in was built upon land donated by Lt. Col. Leonard Harris, U.S. Army (Ret.), and his cousin John Howard "Duffy" Smith. Their family was deeded property here shortly before the Civil War. Allegedly, Robert . . . — — Map (db m235927) HM
On Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) at Bullpasture River Road (Virginia Route 678), on the left when traveling west on Highland Turnpike.
May 8, 1862, one mile southeast, Jackson and Edward Johnson, C.S.A. defeated Milroy and Schenck, U.S.A. This church served both Blue and Gray as a hospital. — — Map (db m62929) HM
On U.S. 250, on the left when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
Beyond the ridge you are facing is Sitlington’s Hill. On the afternoon of May 8, 1862, Gen. Edward “Allegheny” Johnson directed two brigades of Confederate infantry to take position on the hill facing the Federals across Bull Pasture Creek in . . . — — Map (db m155083) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Virginia Route 656, on the right when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
You are standing at the center of the McDowell battlefield. Throughout the afternoon of May 8, 1862, hundreds or Union soldiers advanced doggedly uphill toward your position, loading and firing as they came. On either side of you, Confederate . . . — — Map (db m165773) HM
On Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Bullpasture River Road (Virginia Route 678), on the left when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
Elements of three Union armies moved through the Shenandoah Valley in the spring of 1862, while a fourth army marched up the Virginia Peninsula toward Richmond. Together, these two wings comprised a pincer movement against the Confederate . . . — — Map (db m172827) HM
On Virginia Route 645 just north of Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling north. Reported permanently removed.
Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's unsuccessful attack on Union forces at Kernstown on March 23, 1862, alarmed Federal officials, who assigned additional troops to the Shenandoah Valley to guard against a Confederate assault on . . . — — Map (db m172829) HM
Near Bullpasture River Road (Virginia Route 678) 0.2 miles west of Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
(preface)
Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackon's unsuccessful attack on Union forces at Kernstown on March 23, 1862, alarmed Federal officials, who assigned additional troops to the Shenandoah Valley to guard against a Confederate assault on . . . — — Map (db m194722) HM
On Mansion House Road (Virginia Route 645) north of Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling north.
Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's unsuccessful attack on Union forces at Kernstown on March 23, 1862, alarmed Federal officials, who assigned additional troops to the Shenandoah Valley to guard against a Confederate assault on . . . — — Map (db m235831) HM
On Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
The Battle of McDowell was the second engagement of Confederate Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign. After being defeated by Union forces at Kernstown, just south of Winchester, on March 23, 1862, Jackson withdrew south in the . . . — — Map (db m239604) HM
Stonewall Jackson, to prevent a junction of Fremont and Banks, took position on the hills just to the south and beat off the attacks of Fremont’s advance under Milroy, May 8, 1862. Milroy retreated that night. — — Map (db m4232) HM
Federals in action 4000, killed and wounded 256.
Confederates in action 2500, killed and wounded 498.
Confederate Officers Killed
Captains Lieutentants
Samuel Dawson John K. Goldwire
William L. Furlow . . . — — Map (db m4283) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
Beyond the Ridge you are facing is Sitlington's Hill. On the afternoon of May 8, 1862, Confederate Gen. Edward "Allegheny" Johnson directed two brigades of Confederate infantry to take position on the hill facing the Federals across Bullpasture . . . — — Map (db m239058) HM
On Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) at Mansion House Road (Virginia Route 645), on the right when traveling west on Highland Turnpike.
This stately brick house was built about 1855 for Felix Hull (ca. 1823-1861) in the Greek Revival style popular in the late antebellum period. During the Civil War, his widow, Eliza Mathews Hull, was living here on 7-8 May 1862 when the house was . . . — — Map (db m155460) HM
On Bullpasture River Road (County Route 678) at County Route 612, on the left when traveling south on Bullpasture River Road.
Fort George was built in the spring of 1757 by Captain William Preston, acting on orders of Major Andrew Lewis. Local residents assisted in construction of the 80-foot-square log fort located on the land of Wallace Estill. It was never attacked . . . — — Map (db m30465) HM
On Virginia Route 645 just north of Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the left when traveling north. Reported permanently removed.
During the Civil War, Virginia's roads were of vital importance to both Union and Confederate armies for the transport of soldiers, artillery, supply wagons, and livestock herds to feed the troops. The roads ranged from narrow dirt paths to wide, . . . — — Map (db m172828) HM
On Mansion House Road (Virginia Route 645) north of Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the left when traveling north.
During the Civil War, Virginia's roads were of vital importance to both Union and Confederate armies for the transport of soldiers, artillery, supply wagons, and livestock herds to feed the troops. The roads ranged from narrow dirt paths to wide, . . . — — Map (db m235814) HM
On Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 0.3 miles east of Water Tank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
Neighbor fought neighbor on this ground during the Battle of McDowell. During the fighting, the 3rd Virginia Infantry (Union) moved to your left along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike in an attempt to get around the Confederate right flank. . . . — — Map (db m235849) HM
On Bullpasture River Road (Virginia Route 678) west of Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling west.
This congregation, first known as Central Union Church, was organized in 1822. The present brick sanctuary, an interpretation of the Greek Revival style, replaced an earlier structure ca. 1856. The entrance on the building's south side was likely . . . — — Map (db m235759) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
At 5:30 pm during the Battle of McDowell, the second line of Confederate infantry moved through this area as they climbed to the top of Sitlington's Hill to reinforce the defenders who had been battered by the initial assaults.
The Federals had . . . — — Map (db m239156) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
Sitlington's Hill was heavily wooded with thick underbrush and several rocky slopes, made for hard fighting. Both armies used ravines that traversed around and through the hill during the battle. The top of the ridge has a knoll to the left and a . . . — — Map (db m239207) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
During the Battle of McDowell, the Confederate 12th Georgia Infantry held this ridge, overlooking the Village of McDowell. The Georgians began the battle on a knoll - a "large hilly old field" - in advance of the main Confederate line before . . . — — Map (db m239270) HM
Near U.S. 250, on the right when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
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, . . . — — Map (db m16685) HM
Near U.S. 250, on the right when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
The Confederate 12th Georgia Infantry Regiment held this exposed crest overlooking McDowell. Milroy’s Union troops assaulted this hilltop from two directions – on the left and the right. The Confederates held their ground against repeated attacks . . . — — Map (db m16689) HM
Near U.S. 250, on the right when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
In the spring of 1862 Confederate fortunes seemed to have gone from bad to worse. Union forces had won several key battles in the West, while the U.S. Navy was establishing its coastal blockade and Major General George B. McClellan’s Army of the . . . — — Map (db m165817) HM
On Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Bullpasture River Road (Virginia Route 678), on the left when traveling north. Reported permanently removed.
You are standing on one of the pivotal battlefields of the Shenandoah Valley campaign. Here, on May 8, 1862, Confederate Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson and his 6,000 men defeated Union Gens. Robert C. Schenck's and Robert H. Milroy's . . . — — Map (db m172816) HM
Near U.S. 250, on the right when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
“… [The 31st Virginia] came close to the 3rd and saluted them, and called them by name, and proceeded with the slaughter.” Andrew Price, 3rd Virginia Most of Stonewall Jackson’s Confederates climbed Sitlington’s Hill through a ravine off to . . . — — Map (db m194639) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
"Many of the boys had their guns shot to pieces... They would pick up another gun and go to work as usual." - Pvt. Ephraim Hutchison, 82nd Ohio Infantry, USA
You are standing along the Confederate defensive line during the Battle . . . — — Map (db m239254) HM
On Bullpasture River Road (Virginia Route 678) west of Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling west.
Union troops camped in the fields south of here between April 17, 1862, and the Battle of McDowell on May 8, 1862. They deployed artillery, including "two twelve pounders [that] were planted on the plateau in the rear of [the church] so as to . . . — — Map (db m235785) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
You are looking toward the Confederate right flank. At the beginning of the battle, this flank extended toward the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike at the bottom of the hill to your right. The main Union attack came against this part of the . . . — — Map (db m239197) HM
On Bullpasture River Road (Virginia Route 678) 0.2 miles west of Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling west.
During the Battle of McDowell on May 8, 1862, this height known as Cemetery Hill was crowded with Federal cannon, each served by a crew of 14 men or more. Union Capt. Henry Hyman, Battery I, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, positioned his guns here with . . . — — Map (db m235842) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
As they advanced to combat, both armies used ravines to make their way to the top of Sitlington's Hill. Most Confederate troops used a ravine just off to your left, which provided a direct route to the top of the height.
During the battle, . . . — — Map (db m239178) HM
Near Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250) 1.5 miles east of Watertank Road (Virginia Route 656), on the right when traveling east.
When he arrived in McDowell on May 8, 1862, Confederate Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson rode to the top of Sitlington's Hill. There he studied the terrain and Union positions in the village below with Confederate Gen. Edward "Allegheny" . . . — — Map (db m239089) HM
On Bullpasture River Road (County Route 678) at Highland Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling west on Bullpasture River Road. Reported permanently removed.
Union troops camped in the fields south of here between April 17, 1862, and the Battle of McDowell on May 8. They deployed artillery, including “two twelve pounders [that] were planted on the plateau in the read of [the church] so as to cover the . . . — — Map (db m155462) HM
On Potomac River Road (U.S. 220), on the right when traveling north.
Virginia. Highland County. Area 422 Square Miles. Formed in 1847 from Pendleton and Bath, and given its name because of its mountains. The battle of McDowell, 1862, was fought in this county.
West Virginia. West . . . — — Map (db m34538) HM
On West Main Street (U.S. 250) 0.1 miles west of Potomac River Road (U.S. 220), on the right when traveling west.
This property
Highland Inn
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m172831) HM
On West Main Street (U.S. 250) just east of Spruce Street, on the right when traveling east.
Monterey, the seat of Highland County government, also served as the headquarters for Confederate and Union forces at different times during the Civil War. Confederate Gen. Henry R. Jackson, who led a brigade under Gen. Robert E. Lee during the . . . — — Map (db m172834) HM
On West Main Street (U.S. 250) 0.1 miles west of Water Street, on the right when traveling west.
The
Charles Pinckney Jones
House
has been placed in the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
2013
— — Map (db m172832) HM
On West Main Street (U.S. 250) just east of Spruce Street, on the right when traveling west.
The
Charles Pinckney Jones
Law Office
has been placed in the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
2013 — — Map (db m172835) HM
On High Street (U.S. 250), on the left when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
Monterey was headquarters for Confederates during much of the 1861 Mountain Campaign and headquarters for Federals prior to the fighting at McDowell. In the winter of 1861-1862, skirmishing occurred across the county as the frontier between the . . . — — Map (db m155465) HM
My Dear Penelope
Wee are now tolerable well fortified; got 12 pieces of cannon and places all fixed for the men to shoot from; that is, fortifications for cannon with openings to shoot through so the men can man the cannon and not . . . — — Map (db m86203) HM
You are standing in the middle of what was once Fort Edward Johnson. Confederate soldiers built this fort in 1862 under the command of Brigadier general Edward Johnson, a career officer from Virginia.
Look to your right, and then left across . . . — — Map (db m208803) HM
On April 19, 1862, General Johnson, with General Lee’s approval, moved our regiment from Allegheny Mountain to Shenandoah Mountain. To protect ourselves from Yankee bullets, we dug about a mile of trench in this rocky ground. We then opened our . . . — — Map (db m16775) HM
My name is Shepherd Green Pryor, but my friends and family call me “Shep.” I was elected First Lieutenant of the Muckalee Guards, Company A, 12th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry. We’ve just survived a cold Virginia winter on the top . . . — — Map (db m16773) HM
