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Description:
Following his defeat at Third Winchester (Opequon) on September
19, Gen. Early withdrew and took up strong defensive positions at
Fisher's Hill, south of Strasburg. On September 21, the Federal
army advanced, driving back skirmishers and capturing important
high ground opposite the Confederate works. On the 22nd, Gen. George
Crook's Federal VIII Corps, hidden from Confederate view, moved
along North Mountain to outflank the left of Early’s line.
About 4 p.m. Crook attacked Early’s flank, held only by Confederate
cavalry who offered little resistance. As Crook began to roll up
the Confederate line, Sheridan ordered a frontal assault. Facing
overwhelming force from the front and rear, the Confederate defenders
broke and ran to avoid capture. During the retreat, Col. A.S. “Sandie”
Pendleton, Early’s Chief of Staff, was mortally wounded while
trying to rally Confederate troops. Early retreated south to Rockfish
Gap near Waynesboro, opening the Valley to a Federal "scorched
earth" operation. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg
were subsequently burned in what became known as “The Burning.”
Significance:
The Battle of Fisher’s Hill was an excellent example of a
surprise flanking movement against a defending force in a strong
position. The battle opened the Shenandoah Valley to the destruction
of its agricultural base.
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