Aug. 16, 1864 - Guard Hill Engagement

Aug. 16, 1864

Guard Hill Engagement

Front Royal, VA


Maj. Gen. Sheridan: Gen. Wesley Merritt > Union Brig. Gen. George A. Custer’s brigade

vs.

Gen. Richard Anderson > Brig. Gen. William T. Wofford’s infantry brigade and Brig. Gen. Williams C. Wickham’s cavalry brigade


* This area saw considerable action during the Battle of Front Royal in the 1862 Valley Campaign. Here we are again. 

* Apparently the Union cavalry surprised the Confederates while they were midstream in the Shenandoah. Still an "inconclusive" engagement.  


https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=256801


In Aug. 1864, part of Confederate Lt. Gen. Richard H. Anderson’s corps threatened the left of Union Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan’s army. As Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt’s division approached on 15 Aug. to protect the Federal flank. Anderson ordered Brig. Gen. William T. Wofford’s infantry brigade and Brig. Gen. Williams C. Wickham’s cavalry brigade across the Shenandoah River to confront Merritt. Wickham was overwhelmed, however, on 16 Aug., and his troopers retreated toward Front Royal while Union Brig. Gen. George A. Custer’s brigade drove Wofford from Guard Hill. Sheridan then retired north to Charles Town, W. Va.


https://www.shenandoahatwar.org/battle-of-guard-hill

https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battles-detail.htm?battleCode=va117


https://www.shenandoahatwar.org/battle-of-guard-hill


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