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Many of the Civil War sites in the McDowell battlefield area are easily accessible to visitors as part of the Virginia Civil War Trails roadside signage program. However, some require a good pair of hiking shoes. You may want to start your visit at the National Historic District’s first of five planned permanent Civil War orientation centers–the McDowell center is located within the new Highland Museum & Heritage Center. There you can learn more about the battle and how to experience it today.
National Historic District Civil War Orientation Center:
Housed inside the Highland Museum & Heritage Center in McDowell, the orientation center tells the story of the Battle of McDowell (8 May 1862), one of the opening salvos of Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign, and provides information about visiting the area and the region.
To reach the Highland Museum & Heritage Center, take U.S. 250 west from Staunton, cross through the George Washington National Forest to the village of McDowell. In the village, follow Va. Route 654 north from U.S. 250. Pass the Stonewall Grocery, and take the next immediate left. The museum is located on the right just past the Sugar Tree Country Store.
Ramsey’s Draft (Jackson’s March) – Located on the other side of Shenandoah Mountain in Augusta County, Ramsey’s Draft was the location of the first skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces leading up to the Battle of McDowell.
Fort Johnson – Traveling on U.S. 250 east, travelers will find a small parking area, interpretive signage, Confederate trenchworks, and overlook on top of Shenandoah Mountain maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. This is Fort Johnson, named for Confederate Gen. Edward Johnson, whose troops camped here before the Battle of McDowell.
Sitlington’s Hill – The worst of the fighting happened on this hill just east of the village. There is a trail leading to the top of the hill. The steep terrain–one of the hindrances for Stonewall Jackson’s artillery–requires good hiking shoes and some stamina. The trailhead, which includes several interpretive signs and a parking area, is located along U.S. 250 just east of the village.
Cemetery Hill – During the battle, Federal artillery was placed on this knoll just south of the Presbyterian Church in McDowell.
Presbyterian Church – Constructed in 1856, the McDowell Presbyterian Church was still a new addition to the community when it housed the wounded and dying Federal soldiers after the Battle of McDowell. The church, located at the other end of the village from the visitor center, also served as a headquarters for both armies at various times before, during and after the battle.
McDowell Cemetery – This cemetery, located in the heart of the village of McDowell directly across from the Presbyterian Church, contains a monument and the graves of some of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of McDowell.
Monterey Courthouse – A short trip on U.S. 250 west from McDowell brings travelers into Monterey, the modern county seat of Highland County. At the courthouse, Civil War Trails signage interprets more of the local war story.
Camp Allegheny – Following U.S. 250 west from McDowell, through Monterey to just across the state line into West Virginia brings you to Camp Allegheny, occupied first by Confederates and then Federals in the months and weeks before the battle.
The Battle of McDowell itself and the men who fought here have been recognized many times over the years ... but never with such life as at McDowell Battlefield Heritage Days. Every other May, thousands of soldiers–this time reenactors–journey here for one of most authentic reenactment events in the country. Soldiers are not the only historic figures that reappear in McDowell during Heritage Days. Indeed, civilian townspeople of the era roam the lanes of the village and interact with soldiers. Military demonstrations and living history interpretations are performed during the event–from the tactical battle demonstration to camp life to a Soldiers Aid Society meeting, all walks of 1862 life are portrayed.
For information about exploring the Civil War sites in McDowell-Highland County area, visit one of these partners:
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