This day tour will visit four different valley battlefields from three different campaigns in 1862 and 1864.
Shenandoah translates to Daughter of the stars in the Native American language. The Shenandoah Valley is rich in beauty and history and was the site of dramatic conflicts during the Civil War.
You’ll stand on hallowed ground where the north and south battled for the breadbasket of Lee’s army and the valley invasion route that led north and threatened Washington D.C. These battlefields are unspoiled, containing few monuments giving it a more authentic appearance.
Begin with the battle of New Market; May 15, 1864. With the new spring campaign of 1864, Ulysses S. Grant ordered Franz Siegel to clear the Shenandoah Valley once and for all as Grant initiated his Overland Campaign to the east. Confederate General Breckinridge will make a bold offensive against the Union forces as they slowly march down the valley. As the battle hung in the balance, Breckenridge will Call out the cadets! from the Virginia Military Institute (V.M.I.).
Take a lunch break as you travel through the scenic Shenandoah Valley where your battlefield guide can make several recommendations.
Next, pick up the story where you left off with the battle of Piedmont; June 5, 1864. With Union General David Hunter now in command, he is poised to take the vital rail town of Staunton. If successful, he will cut Richmond off from its vital rail supplies from the valley. Confederate General William Grumble Jones will quickly assemble a hardscrabble force and clash outside of the village of Piedmont.
Today, the battlefield lies on remote unspoiled farmland. Major battlefield preservation work is currently establishing a battlefield area.
Finally, we’ll tour Cross Keys and Port Republic, the last two battles of Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign of 1862; June 8-9, 1862. Perused by a much larger Union force, Jackson will divide his force. Union General Fremont will find Confederate forces under General Ewell at Cross Keys. Point blank musket fire, commanding artillery, and a flank attack will be too much for Fremont.
We’ll hear about the next day when Jackson will concentrate his army near Port Republic and attack Union forces on a strong line between the Shenandoah River and a dominant piece of high ground known as The Coaling. Bold Confederate frontal assaults would give way until the Louisiana Tigers would launch an aggressive flank attack. The climax of Jackson’s Valley Campaign will allow Jackson’s army to join Robert E. Lee and the defense of Richmond.
This private battlefield tour pairs nicely with our Northern Shenandoah Campaigns tour.
Let us show you the way as you relax and skip the self-guided tour hassle. Your own battlefield guide will meet you at the New Market State Historical Park, in front of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War.
After an introduction, your battlefield guide will join your vehicle as you depart to your first stop. It is recommended that the battlefield guide drive your vehicle so you can relax and enjoy the tour, but it’s up to you who drives.
Joining your vehicle keeps the cost down so you can see more battlefields with us.
Step-on battlefield guides are available for larger passenger vehicles (van or bus). For more information and prices, please contact us.
Note: The Southern Shenandoah Valley Campaigns can be tailored into one of our Custom Battlefield Tours.
