Shut In Gap carried the most direct route from the Arcadia Valley to Fredericktown. Advance elements of the rebel army passed through the gap undetected and were not spotted until they approached a Union picket post at the Russellville Junction. Following a skirmish in Ironton, a cavalry detachment led by Major Wilson drove the rebels back into the gap. After Wilson was wounded, he and his men retreated toward Arcadia. Fighting ceased at sunset.
