Before
it began, critics denounced General Jackson as a "queer, blundering,
thick-skulled, honest dunce." After it ended, his soldiers worshiped him -
one of them exalting him as "my earthly God." Between those opinions
came the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862. Three days of that three-month
campaign altered the course of the Civil War more than any other event within
the Blue Ridge corridor. From May 23 to May 25, Major General Thomas
J. Jackson led his Valley District army into the northern Shenandoah Valley and surprised an unwary Union army under the command of Major General Nathaniel
P. Banks.
In
three consecutive days of continuous battles the Southerners swept away that Union
army by chasing it across the Potomac
River. These three days of dazzling
marches and battles proved to be the heart of the entire campaign, for they
tremendously impacted grand strategy for both Union and Confederate War
Departments. The results heightened Abraham Lincoln's role as Commander in
Chief of the United States, but they also guaranteed the continued survival of
the Confederacy—with "Stonewall" Jackson becoming the most famous military figure on the face
of the earth.
Recently
discovered documents and maps punch gaping holes into the traditional interpretation
of this campaign, allowing fresh light to expose the participants as they never
have been revealed before. We see a deeply troubled but decisive General
Banks whose calm leadership in the midst of chaos goes against the grain of the
dogma that previously defined him as "Commissary Banks." More pieces
of the Stonewall Jackson puzzle fit into place to reveal a strikingly
determined general, plowing through tremendous obstacles of the kind that tend
to paralyze lesser commanders - faulty intelligence, poor combat performances,
and personal oversights to name a few - to prevail in his first sustained
offensive of the Civil War.
This
one-day tour will follow the footsteps of Jackson and his army over historic
terrain rarely viewed by organized groups. We will explore the small but
vicious killing fields at Front Royal, Buckton Station, Fairview, Middletown, Newtown (today's Stephens City), and Winchester.
In addition, we will stand on and near the heretofore forgotten Valley
crossroads where on-the-spot decisions altered the length, course, and momentum
of the campaign. This includes stops at Asbury Chapel, Double
Tollgate, Cedarville, Ridings Cemetery, and Milltown. When all is said and done, each
participant will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the Heart of the
Valley Campaign that exceeds that of anyone who has written about it before.
About Our Tour Leader
Gary
Ecelbarger is a Shenandoah Valley campaign expert and has developed and led many tours of different aspects of Jackson’s
Valley Campaign. He is author of “We are in for it”: The First Battle of Kernstown, March 23, 1862; Frederick W. Lander: The Great Natural American
Soldier, and Black Jack Logan: An Extraordinary Life in Peace and War. He served as a contributing writer for Time-Life
Books Voices of the Civil War series.
Saturday, October 18
8:45 AM Bus Departs
from Park & Ride Lot, US Rt. 522/340 north of Front Royal,
4/10 of a mile south of
the intersection of I-66 and US Rt. 522/340.
4:30 PM Arrive Back at Park & Ride Lot
Registration Fees $ 150 Under
Age 23: $ 45
You can reserve a space on this tour
by making a $50 Deposit per Person.
If You Must Cancel we
will refund 100% of your fees paid. However, to receive a 100% refund, you must allow 30 days from the date of our receipt of your notice of
cancellation
What is Included in your
Registration Fee:
· the services of an expert
historian chosen for his knowledge and experience
· transportation to sites as
indicated
· Saturday picnic lunch
· refreshments and snacks during the
tour
· map package
If
You Need Lodging – Here are some suggested nearby motels:
· Hampton Inn, 9800 Winchester Avenue, Front Royal – 540-635-1882
· Super 8 Motel, 111 South Street,
Front Royal – 540-636-4888
· Quality Inn, 10 Commerce Avenue, Front Royal – 540-635-3161
|
