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Description:
After Confederate Gen. Joseph Kershaw's division left Winchester
to rejoin Gen. Lee's army on the Richmond-Petersburg line, Early
renewed his raids on the B&O Railroad at Martinsburg, badly
separating his four remaining infantry divisions between Martinsburg
and Winchester. On September 19, with the aid of intelligence from
a civilian spy in Winchester, Gen. Sheridan advanced towards Winchester
through the narrow Berryville Canyon. Sheridan’s slow movement
through the canyon gave Early time to concentrate his forces to
meet the initial Federal attacks. The battle continued for several
hours with very heavy casualties on both sides. The Confederate
line was gradually driven back toward the town but the Confederate
troops remained in good order. About mid-afternoon, Federal Gen.
George Crook's VIII Corps along with several cavalry brigades struck
the Confederate left flank with tremendous force, breeching the
Confederate line and causing panic. Early ordered a general retreat
which turned into a rout through the streets of Winchester.
Significance:
Third Winchester was one of the largest battles fought in the Shenandoah
Valley and resulted in the wounding and deaths of several important
generals on both sides. Federal use of spies provided vital information
that led to success in the battle. The battle was an example of
well-executed use of a cavalry charge to turn a fixed position.
Because of its size, intensity, and result, many historians consider
Third Winchester the most important conflict of the Shenandoah Valley.
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