Battles & Campaigns · 1862
First Battle of Winchester
Winchester, Virginia, USA
What happened
Stonewall Jackson's Confederates fought Union troops under Nathaniel P. Banks. After Jackson captured the Union garrison at Front Royal, Banks ordered a retreat. Jackson's forces caught his columns and Banks made a stand at Winchester. On the morning of 25 May, the Union troops on Bower's Hill broke and streamed back through the town.
Why it matters
The battle upset Union plans to attack Richmond. Thousands of Union soldiers were sent to the Shenandoah Valley and to guard Washington instead.
What came next
Banks's army retreated north and crossed the Potomac River at Williamsport, and Jackson went on to win at Cross Keys and Port Republic.
Did you know?
The Confederates captured so many wagons and supplies that they nicknamed Banks 'Commissary Banks'.
Timeline
- 23 May 1862Battle of Front Royal.
- 25 May 1862First Battle of Winchester.
- 8 Jun 1862Battle of Cross Keys.
- 9 Jun 1862Battle of Port Republic.