Battle of McDowell
McDowell, Highland County, Virginia, USA
What happened
Stonewall Jackson and Edward Johnson's Confederates fought Union troops under Robert H. Milroy and Robert C. Schenck. Union troops coming from the west reached McDowell, Virginia. Jackson's Confederates took Sitlington's Hill above the town. Union troops attacked the hill at sunset but could not retake it, and they retreated that night.
Why it matters
The Union defeat and withdrawal gave the Confederates the upper hand in the Shenandoah Valley. According to some sources it was a draw, but others count it as a strategic Confederate win.
What came next
Jackson went on to win at Front Royal, First Winchester, Cross Keys and Port Republic.
Did you know?
The setting sun behind the hill made the Confederates easy to see, while shadows helped hide the Union attackers.
Timeline
- 8 May 1862Battle of McDowell.
- 13 May 1862Jackson returns to McDowell.
- 23 May 1862Battle of Front Royal.
- 25 May 1862First Battle of Winchester.