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; Black Jack Logan: An Extraordinary Life in Peace and War; and Three Days in the Shenandoah: Stonewall Jackson at Front Royal and Winchester.

 

Saturday, November 6

8:30 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.

 

5:00 PM               Arrive Back at Park & Ride Lot   

 

 

Registration Fees       $ 150         Under Age 23:  $ 45

 

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

·        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