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Description:
After the Battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863, Confederate Gen.
Robert E. Lee ordered his II Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, under
Gen. Ewell, to clear the northern Shenandoah Valley of Federal opposition.
Ewell's columns converged on Winchester's garrison commanded by
Gen. Milroy. Instead of retreating in the face of superior numbers,
Milroy determined to make a stand in the supposedly strong fortifications
west and north of town. There was fighting on the afternoon of June
13, but the next day the Confederate Louisiana Brigade captured
the West Fort leaving Milroy in an untenable position. After dark,
Milroy abandoned his remaining entrenchments in an attempt to retreat
to Charles Town. Confederate Gen. Edward "Allegheny" Johnson's
division marched at night and before daylight of the 15th cut off
Milroy's retreat just north of Winchester at Stephenson's Depot.
More than 2,500 Federals surrendered.
Significance:
This stunning Confederate victory cleared the Valley of Federal
troops and opened the door for Lee's second invasion of the North
that led to the Battle of Gettysburg. The battle also demonstrated
a rare use of extensive earthworks in the Shenandoah Valley.
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