Battles & Campaigns · 1864
Third Battle of Winchester
Winchester, Virginia, USA
What happened
Sheridan learned that part of Early's force had left, so he attacked along Opequon Creek near Winchester. Union infantry struck from the east and cavalry from the north, while another force swung around Early's left. A final Union attack sent the Confederates retreating south through Winchester.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was one of the largest and most important battles in the Shenandoah Valley. It was also the first defeat of a Confederate general in the Valley, at a time when a Union disaster could have hurt Lincoln's re-election.
What came next
Early fell back to Fisher's Hill, where Sheridan beat him again three days later.
Did you know?
Two future US presidents fought here: Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley.
Timeline
- 19 September 1864Third Battle of Winchester.
- 22 September 1864Battle of Fisher's Hill.
- 2 March 1865Early's army is finished at Waynesboro.