Battle of Cool Spring
Shenandoah River, near Berryville, Virginia, USA
What happened
Union troops under Horatio G. Wright and Joseph Thoburn fought Jubal A. Early's Confederates, including John C. Breckinridge and John B. Gordon. Union troops were following Early's army back into Virginia. Thoburn's men crossed the Shenandoah River at Parker's Ford, thinking they faced only a few guards. A Confederate attack broke the Union line, and the Union troops crossed back over the river after dark.
Why it matters
The Union attack was poorly planned and had no cavalry support. The battle helped set off the Valley Campaigns of 1864 in the Shenandoah Valley.
What came next
Union general David Hunter sent troops from Harpers Ferry to press Early from the north, and the Confederates soon left Berryville.
Did you know?
Writer Whittaker Chambers wrote that his grandfather, a teenage Union soldier, survived this battle.
Timeline
- 17 Jul 1864Union cavalry fails to cross at Castleman's Ferry.
- 18 Jul 1864Battle of Cool Spring.
- 19 Jul 1864Both armies hold their positions.
- 20 Jul 1864The Confederates withdraw from Berryville.