Battles & Campaigns · 1862
First Battle of Kernstown
Kernstown, near Winchester, Virginia, USA
What happened
Jackson attacked believing he faced a small Union force, but it was a full division more than twice his size. His attacks were turned back, and the Confederates withdrew. It was the only battle Jackson lost.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Even so, the battle helped the Confederacy. Worried by Jackson, Lincoln kept troops in the Shenandoah Valley and near Washington instead of sending them to McClellan's attack on Richmond.
What came next
Jackson went on to win five victories in his Valley Campaign that spring.
Did you know?
Union general James Shields, who was wounded and not on the field, later claimed to be the only general to have beaten Jackson.
Timeline
- 23 March 1862First Battle of Kernstown.
- 8 May 1862Battle of McDowell.
- 23 May 1862Battle of Front Royal.
- 8 June 1862Battle of Cross Keys.