May 23, 1862
Campaign: Jackson’s Valley Campaign 1862
Principal Commanders: CS - Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson; US – Col. John R. Kenly
Total Forces: 4,060 total; CS - 3,000; US - 1,060 (est.)

Courtesy of The Official Virginia Civil War Battlefield Guide c.2001. Permission granted by Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Description:
On May 23, Gen. Jackson’s Confederate forces, spearheaded by the Louisiana "Tigers" and the 1st Maryland, surprised and overran the pickets of a 1,000-man Federal garrison under command of Col. John Kenly at Front Royal. Driven through the town, the Federals made a stand on Camp Hill and again at Guard Hill after attempting to burn the Shenandoah River bridges. Outnumbered and outflanked, Kenly continued the retreat to Cedarville, where two Confederate cavalry charges broke the makeshift line and routed the Federal force as some 900 men surrendered. Jackson's victory at Front Royal forced the Federal army under Gen. Nathaniel Banks to abandon his position at Strasburg and conduct a hurried retreat northward to Winchester.

Significance:
Brother fought against brother as Confederate 1st Maryland attacked Federal 1st Maryland. With fighting in the streets, the Battle of Front Royal was a rare example of urban combat during the Civil War. The Confederates’ use of surprise resulted in flanking the Federals under Gen. Banks at Strasburg.