Battle of Cross Keys

Battle of Cross Keys Began: June 8, 1862 Ended: Same day Location: Rockingham County, Virginia Theater: Eastern Theater Campaign: Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign Outcome: Confederate victory Combatants Mountain Department Department of the Rappahannock Department of the Valley, Ewell's Division Commanders John C. Frémont Major General, USA Richard S. Ewell Major General, CSA Strength 11,500 5,800 Casualties 664 287

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Moving up the Shenandoah Valley in pursuit of Jackson’s army, Maj. Gen. John C. Frémont’s army encountered Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell’s division at Cross Keys on June 8. Brig. Gen. Julius Stahel’s brigade, attacking on the Union left, was stunned by a surprise volley from Trimble’s command and driven back in confusion. After feeling out other parts of the Confederate line, Frémont withdrew to the Keezletown Road under protection of his batteries. The next day, Trimble’s and Patton’s brigades held Frémont at bay, while the rest of Ewell’s force crossed the river to assist in the defeat of Brig. Gen. E. Tyler's command at Port Republic. (NPS summary)