Battle of Cross Keys
Cross Keys, Rockingham County, Virginia, USA
What happened
Confederate troops under Richard S. Ewell, part of Stonewall Jackson's army, fought a Union army under John C. Frémont. Early on 8 June, Union cavalry tried to seize a bridge at Port Republic but were driven off. Frémont's main army then advanced on Ewell's line behind Mill Creek, where a Confederate brigade broke one of the Union brigades. Frémont did not follow up with a coordinated attack, and fighting ended at dusk.
Why it matters
Together with Port Republic the next day, it was one of the decisive victories of Jackson's Valley campaign and forced the Union armies to retreat. The campaign kept many Union troops away from the attack on Richmond.
What came next
Jackson won again at Port Republic on 9 June, then joined Robert E. Lee for the Seven Days Battles near Richmond.
Did you know?
During the Valley campaign, Jackson's men marched 646 miles in 48 days.
Timeline
- 23 May 1862Jackson captures Front Royal.
- 8 June 1862Battle of Cross Keys.
- 9 June 1862Battle of Port Republic.