Last modified on June 27, 2016, at 04:19

Battle of Fisher's Hill

Battle of Fisher's Hill
Began:

September 21, 1864

Ended:

September 22, 1864

Location:

Shenandoah County, Virginia

Theater:

Eastern Theater

Campaign:

Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign

Outcome:

Union victory

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Combatants
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Army of the Shenandoah

Army of the Valley

Commanders

Philip Sheridan
Major General, USA

Jubal A. Early
Lieutenant General, CSA

Strength

29,444

9,500

Casualties

528

1,235

  

Early’s army, bloodied by its defeat at Opequon (Third Winchester) on September 19, took up a strong defensive position at Fisher’s Hill, south of Strasburg. On September 21, the Union army advanced, driving back the skirmishers and capturing important high ground. On the 22nd, Crook’s Corps moved along North Mountain to outflank Early and attacked about 4 pm. The Confederate cavalry offered little resistance, and the startled infantry were unable to face the attacking force. The Confederate defense collapsed from west to east as Sheridan’s other corps join in the assault. Early retreated to Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, opening the Valley to a Union “scorched earth” invasion. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg were burned in what became known as the “Burning” or “Red October.” (NPS summary)