McDowell (VA102)
May 8, 1862
Description:
Lying upon the mountains and valleys of Highland County, McDowell battlefield includes the town of McDowell, the floodplain of the Bullpasture River, and, primarily, Sitlington’s Hill, a rise on Bullpasture Mountain. Most of the decisive action in the battle took place on the hill, but skirmishes and minor engagements occurred at the pass on Shenandoah Mountain and in an area north of Monterey, the county seat. Today, most of the hills and mountains are covered with forests, and the bottomland along the Bullpasture River is mainly cleared for agricultural uses.
McDowell is nearly pristine, partially protected, and has low threats. It presents one of the best opportunities in Virginia for the preservation of an entire battlefield landscape.
Study Area (including Core Area)
7,441
Core Area
2,258
Historical Designation:
None
Preservation Challenges:
Preservation Planning:
No preservation plan in place.
Significance:
This first Confederate victory during Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign relieved pressure on Richmond and saved the "Confederate Breadbasket." It also left Jackson free to operate separately against other Federal forces and revitalized Confederate hopes. Jackson's incredible bluff, pretending to move east but actually moving west, was a masterpiece of maneuver, deception and audacity.
Visitor Information:
Highland County Museum and Civil War Orientation Center
161 Mansion House Rd, McDowell
540-396-4478
www.highlandcountyhistory.com
March 1 – Oct. 31 Thu-Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm
Closed Nov. 1 to Feb. 28, except by appointment
Self-Guided Tours: Follow a rigorous hiking trail with interpretive signage to the top of Sitlington’s Hill. The hill, which towers just east of the village of McDowell, was the site of the worst of the fighting during the battle. The trailhead is located along US 250 east of McDowell.
