A Reconnaissance In Force

At the Battle of McDowell, Union generals Robert C. Schenck and Robert H. Milroy launched an attack intended as a reconnaissance in force to test the strength of the Confederate line held by Gen. Edward "Allegheny" Johnson's troops along this ridge. Johnson's left flank rested on this hill, while his right extended farther along the ridge and bent back. The 75th and 25th Ohio regiments under Union Col. Nathaniel McLean climbed the western face of Sitlington's Hill and attacked the 12th Georgia, which stood in advance of the main Confederate line. Their progress was slow, and as the Federals moved into open ground they confronted a Confederate force several times their size. Despite devastating fire, McLean's men continued upward, and hand-to-hand combat followed, driving some Confederates back. But when the Ohioans neared the main Confederate line, heavy fire stalled their advance. For 90 minutes they fought there without assistance. Although the fiercest fighting shifted toward the Confederate right and center, combat continued here, and the 25th and 75th Ohio held their ground until Milroy recalled them after nightfall.

Virginia · United States