On June 5, 1864, the Battle of Piedmont was fought here for possession of Staunton. Union forces under Gen. David Hunter numbered 12,015 men and suffered 130 killed and 650 wounded. Confederate forces under Gen. W.E. Jones numbered 5,600 men and were defeated, with losses of 460 killed, 1450 wounded, and 1,000 prisoners. Gen. Jones was killed near this spot.