Battle of Cross Keys
June 8, 1862
Description:
Moving south in the Valley in pursuit of Gen. Jackson's army, Federal Gen. Frémont's army of 11,500 men encountered Gen. Ewell's division at Cross Keys on June 8. Ewell’s orders were to strike Frémont to block his movement toward Port Republic. Following a two-hour artillery duel, Gen. Julius Stahel's Federal brigade advanced from the left, but was initially stunned and thrown back by a surprise volley from Gen. Isaac Trimble's Confederate brigade. The 8th New York infantry, 548 strong, sustained 258 casualties in less than ten minutes. Frémont ordered probes of the Confederate line, but failed to take advantage of his numerical superiority and withdrew to the Keezletown Road under protection of his batteries. The next day, two Confederate brigades held Frémont at bay, while the rest of Ewell's force crossed the river to assist in the defeat of Federal Gen. Erastus B. Tyler's command at Port Republic.
Significance:
Confederate successes on the field kept two Federal armies from uniting. Cross Keys saw one of the most effective uses of Confederate artillery during the war. Large numbers of Germans and other foreign-born troops were among the Federal forces.
The Battlefield Today:
To learn more about the Cross Keys battlefield today, click here
Visitor Information:
Civil War Orientation Center and Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services
212 S Main St, Harrisonburg
540-432-8935
www.harrisonburgtourism.com
Open daily 9am-5pm
Self-Guided Tours:
A free printed driving tour of the Battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic is available at the Hardesty-Higgins House visitor center. Walking tours of Harrisonburg and Port Republic are also available. For information about guided walking tours, contact Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services at 540-432-8935.
