The Battle of Rutherford's Farm

After hearing from scouts that the Confederate army was moving toward Winchester, Union Gen. William W. Averell prepared for a fight, saying that indications were the enemy must attack him in the morning but that he would probably attack first. Ordered to remain on the defensive while blocking Averell's advance north of Winchester, Confederate Gen. Stephen D. Ramseur instead moved aggressively north on the Martinsburg-Winchester Turnpike. Averell struck first, preempting Ramseur's plan. The Union right overlapped the Confederate left, shattering the Southern flank and sending the Confederates retreating in confusion toward Winchester.

Virginia · United States