The Northern Flank

On the morning of September 19, 1864, as Union Gen. Philip H. Sheridan's forces moved toward Winchester, many Confederate troops were still hurrying south to join Gen. Jubal Early's defensive line east of the city, south of Red Bud Run. Confederate horse artillery under Maj. James Breathed took position on the Huntsberry Farm north of Red Bud Run and fired into the flank of Federal assaults across the Middle Field, helping turn the fight into a costly stalemate. Sheridan then sent Gen. George Crook's VIII Corps forward, and Crook moved one division to the north side of Red Bud Run and west across the Huntsberry Farm. About 3:30 pm, Crook attacked south across the waterway while his other division attacked across the Middle Field. Despite the difficult crossing and strong Confederate resistance, this two-pronged assault forced the Confederates back to Early's final defensive line north and east of Winchester. Throughout the day, Union cavalry also advanced from the north, pushing Confederate horsemen back along the Valley Turnpike. Sheridan then ordered an all-out attack, and as Union infantry pressed the Confederates from all sides, a massive Federal cavalry charge shattered the Confederate left flank. The Confederate line collapsed, and the retreating southerners spilled through the streets of Winchester in chaos and confusion.

Virginia · United States