On June 21, 1864, after two days of fighting at Lynchburg, Confederate Gen. Robert Ransom’s cavalry pursued Union Gen. David Hunter’s retreating column and fought at Hanging Rock. Fearing an assault by the forces of Confederate Gen. Jubal A. Early after the Union defeat at Lynchburg, Hunter withdrew toward New Castle along the Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike with troops, ambulances, supply wagons, artillery, and munitions. Early sent his army in pursuit and ordered Ransom to lead his cavalry over the Peaks of Otter to Buchanan, then to Salem on the Great Road, now Route 11. At Hanging Rock, the narrow gap between steep bluffs delayed the Union column and created an opportunity for attack. On the morning of June 21, Confederate Gen. John McCausland’s cavalry found the stalled Union artillery, and because Early’s infantry had not yet caught up, Ransom sent McCausland with only part of his cavalry to strike. Union guns and wagons suffered heavy damage as wheels were torn away, cannon trunnions were broken, and limbers were pushed into Mason Creek. McCausland’s men burned ammunition wagons, killed and captured horses, confiscated guns, and took prisoners. When Union cavalry and infantry reinforcements arrived, McCausland had to abandon the gap, allowing Hunter to continue his retreat.