The Battle of Cedar Mountain was fought on a hot late summer day in Culpeper County, Virginia. Union General Nathaniel P. Banks and the Union Second Corps duked it out with famed Confederate General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson in pitched battle in the shadow of Cedar Mountain, which ultimately resulted in a southern victory. Today, the American Battlefield Trust has partnered with the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield to preserve portions of the battlefield.
History
Major General John Pope was given command of the Union Army of Virginia on June 26, 1862 and positioned his forces in an arc across Northern Virginia, stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to Washington D.C. Two of his primary goals were to protect Washington D.C. and to threaten central Virginia, ideally drawing Confederate forces away from the Union army’s offensive against Richmond to the east. Major General George B. McClellan led the Army of the Potomac in a series of battles along the peninsula of land between the York and James Rivers, as part of an offensive against the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia (now known as the Peninsula Campaign, which lasted from March – July 1862). In response to General Pope’s Army in north-central Virginia, Confederate General Robert E. Lee dispatched a force under General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson to counter any Union movements. General Jackson and approximately 14,000 Confederate troops quickly marched towards Gordonsville in order to protect the crucial railroad junction in the town.
In early August, Union General Pope marched his army south into Culpeper County, in an attempt to capture Gordonsville before the Confederate forces could reach the town. Leading the charge was Union Major General Nathaniel P. Banks and the Second Corps, who comprised the Union center. In the early hours of August 9th, the Confederate army crossed the Rapidan River and quickly marched north to meet the oncoming Union army. Advanced forces under Confederate Major General Richard S. Ewell came upon Union artillery and calvary positioned to the northwest of Cedar Mountain (the defensive position that General Banks had established in anticipation of Jackson’s approach). Ewell immediately deployed his forces and arrayed his artillery to commence a duel with the Union guns- Confederate Colonel Thomas S. Garnett held down the Confederate left in a wheat field near the edge of the woods. As the two armies maneuvered and took up strategic positions, 16,868 Confederate troops faced off against approximately 8,000 Union troops.
While most of the day comprised of an artillery duel and the positioning of troops (Confederate General Charles S. Winder was killed by a Union shell during this duel), it was just prior to 5PM when the battle began in earnest with a Union attack. The Confederate right was hit first with an assault led by Union Generals Geary and Prince, with initial successes; however, the timely arrival of Confederate General Jubal Early slowed the Union advance. Next, Union Brigadier General Samuel Crawford led an assault against the Confederate left. This assault was carried out against the Confederate front and left flank, through thick woods.
Amidst the chaos, the Confederate left (comprised mostly of Virginian troops) began to falter. As all hope seemed to be lost, General “Stonewall” Jackson rode into the fray to rally the men. As it so happened, his old brigade (the Stonewall Brigade) was maneuvering to reinforce the Confederate left and they enthusiastically rallied to their commander. This spurred an aggressive Confederate counterattack that broke through the Union line, sending the exhausted (and outnumbered) Union soldiers in retreat.
As the sun fell low in the sky and the gun smoke began to settle, the Union Army under General Banks beat a steady retreat from the field of battle. Energized Confederate forces pursued the fleeing enemy until nightfall. In the end, the Union Army suffered 2,353 casualties, to include 314 killed, 1,445 wounded, and 594 missing (most presumably captured). The Confederate Army suffered 1,338 casualties, to include 231 killed and 1,107 wounded.
Interesting Facts
- The Battle of Cedar Mountain is also known as “Slaughter’s Mountain,” named for a local man by that name who owned a house on the property
- As the Union Army retreated, General’s Banks and Pope were nearly captured by the onrushing Confederate forces
- When General “Stonewall” Jackson rallied his men, he was unable to pull his sword out of the scabbard (it had rusted into place due to the infrequency that he drew it). Instead, Jackson proudly unbuckled his sword from his belt and vigorously waved the entire thing, scabbard and all, over his head. This was the only time Jackson drew his sword in battle
Our Visit & Recommendations
Cedar Mountain Battlefield (9465 General Winder Road, Rapidan, VA) is a beautifully-preserved park that offers visitors a chance to meander the fields and woods that were once gripped by cannon and rifle fire. We visited on a warm summer morning before any other visitors arrived, which allowed us to enjoy the trails and battlefield in solitude.
The battlefield is very accessible and a parking lot is located at the address above. This parking lot coincides with the first “point of interest,” which provides an interpretive sign and details about the battle. In total, there are 7 points of interest (interpretive signs), two monuments, and two gravesites around the battlefield, which can all be easily reached via a series of trails. A map of the battlefield is located below and additional information is available on the Friends of Cedar Mountain website.
The battlefield trails wind through thick woods and open fields, so be sure to wear good walking shoes, use sunscreen and bug spray (as needed), and bring along some water. We took our time walking the peaceful trails and read each interpretive sign, which offer detailed information about the battle. Near point of interest #2 is a monument and the state signs for the battlefield. Additionally, this stop is what was known as “the gate,” which served as the center of the Confederate line of battle. Standing here provides one of the best vantage points of the battlefield- be sure to take it all in!
Nearby is a re-created fence line (which parallels the historic Orange-Culpeper Road) and two artillery pieces on display in the wheat field- you can either walk to see them from this point (and pick up the trail), or you will eventually loop back around to it if you decide to head onto the woods trails first.
The trails are well-marked with brown signs, which tell you which specific trail you are on (the above map is a helpful guide). This seemingly untouched landscape makes it easy to picture thousands of troops, calvary, and artillery pieces maneuvering across the vast wheat fields and through the thick woods. Small stone markers provide the position of various units during the battle, which help create the overall visual of troop disposition.
In the history books, the Battle of Cedar Mountain is overshadowed by massive engagements such as Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg; however, it was a crucial fight in the heart of the south. If Confederate forces did not meet the threat of the Union Army in central Virginia, then they may have suffered irreversible losses in 1862. Whats more, if it weren’t for the stalwart leadership and battlefield exploits of General “Stonewall” Jackson, the Confederate Army may have lost this battle (despite outnumbering the Union forces nearly 2 to 1). The Battle of Cedar Mountain has earned its place amongst key battles of the war and should be studied and appreciated.