Confederates Hold the High Ground

On the afternoon of May 8, 1862, Confederate Gen. Edward "Allegheny" Johnson placed two brigades of Confederate infantry on Sitlington's Hill facing Federals across the Bullpasture River in front of the village of McDowell. As the day grew late, the Federals crossed the swollen river by the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike bridge and advanced against Johnson's position. They gained some success until Confederate reinforcements arrived, including Gen. William Taliaferro's brigade from Confederate Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's Valley Army, and stabilized the line. The Federals then launched a furious attack against the Confederate center as Taliaferro and his regiments came onto the field. As darkness fell, fierce volleys continued and caused heavy casualties on both sides. Confederate Col. Samuel Gibbons of the 10th Virginia was killed, and Johnson was carried from the field with a severe ankle wound. Shortly before 9 pm, the Federals ended their unsuccessful attack, burned their camps, and began retreating toward Franklin.

Virginia · United States