Civil War

Gallery

Cedar Creek

View the Trust's collection of photos of the Cedar Creek battlefield, the climactic battle of the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign

(19 photos in gallery)

Massanutten Mountain

Rob Shenk

From atop the imposing Massanutten Mountain range, Confederate General John B. Gordon observed the Yankee position at Cedar Creek and conceived the attack plan that resulted in the Battle of Cedar Creek.

8th Vermont Monument

Rob Shenk

Dedicated in 1885, the 8th Vermont monument, one of only three memorials on the Cedar Creek Battlefield, marks the spot where the regiment stood on the morning of October 19, 1864 and lost 110 of its 164 men, including 13 of 16 officers and three color bearers. The Civil War Trust saved this hallowed ground in 2012.

The Stand of the 8th Vermont

Douglas Ullman, Jr.

The 8th Vermont held it's ground as Confederates under John B. Gordon advanced across this field in the Early morning of October 19, 1864. The Civil War Trust saved the site of Vermonters' valiant stand in 2012.

128th New York Monument

Douglas Ullman, Jr.

Dedicated in 1907 by veterans of the 128th New York, this monument marks the left flank of the Nineteenth Corps. Here Federal pickets were overrun by an overwhelming Confederate surprise attack on the morning of October 19, 1864.

The Cedar Creek Battlefield

Rob Shenk

These lush fields were the scene for the climactic battle of the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. To date, the Civil War Trust has saved over 500 acres of this hallowed ground.

Cedar Creek Commanders

Library of Congress

Though Phil Sheridan's Union Army of the Shenandoah greatly out numbered him, Confederate General Jubal A. Early (right) launched an audacious surprise attack in the early hours of October 19, 1864 that very nearly destroyed the Federals.`

Mining at Cedar Creek

Rob Shenk

In spite of its incredible significance, the Cedar Creek battlefield continues to be threatened by the expansion of a limestone quarry on the heart of the battlefield. To raise awareness of this threat, the Civil War Trust has consistently numbered Cedar Creek among its most endangered battlefields.

Belle Grove Mansion

Rob Shenk

As surprise turned into panic, Confederates under John B. Gordon overran Union army headquarters on the morning of October 19, 1864, turning this stately mansion into the scene of terrific struggle.

Defending Meadow Brook

Douglas Ullman, Jr.

Rushing to the aid of the battered Nineteenth Corps, the veterans of the Army of the Potomac's Sixth Corps took up this position along Meadow Brook to help stem the tide of the Confederate onslaught.

Ramseur Monument

Rob Shenk

Located along the Valley Pike, this monument commemorates the death of Confederate General Stephen D. Ramseur, who was mortally wounded while trying to rally his troops during the Union counterattack.

The Heater House

Rob Shenk

The 540-acre farm of Solomon and Caroline Heater was the deployment area for Confederate artillery during their midday assault on the Federals outside of Middletown

Middletown Cemetery

Rob Shenk

General George Getty's division of the Sixth Corps deployed on this ground and repulsed a number of Confederate assaults before retiring further to the north.

Charles Russell Lowell Monument

Douglas Ullman, Jr.

The Battle of Cedar Creek cut short the life of cavalry commander Col. Charles Russell Lowell, Jr., who was mortally wounded while leading his brigade against Confederates on the outskirts of Middletown.

David Dinges Farm

Rob Shenk

When Sheridan arrived from Winchester, the majority of his shattered command was spread out of the farm fields of David Dinges.

Sheridan's Ride

Library of Congress

Phil Sheridan rallies his retreating troops while he thunders down the Valley Pike astride Rienzi.

The End of Sheridan's Ride

United States Army Military History Institute

Members of the Sheridan’s Veterans Association pose on the Valley Pike in 1883 and point to the location where Sheridan joined the Army of the Shenandoah.

Saved Land: Rienzi Knoll

Douglas Ullman, Jr.

The Civil War Trust saved this 64.5-acre portion of the Cedar Creek battlefield in 2012. This is land where Phil Sheridan concluded his storied twenty-mile ride from Winchester.

Path to Rienzi Knoll

Douglas Ullman, Jr.

This gravel pathway leads to the site of the end of Phil Sheridan's Ride from Winchester. The Civil War Trust is currently working to preserve this important piece of the Cedar Creek battlefield.