Battle of Hancock

Battle of Hancock Romney Campaign Began: January 5, 1862 Ended: January 6, 1862 Location: Washington County, Maryland Morgan County, Virginia (now West Virginia) Theater: Eastern Theater Campaign: Jackson’s Operations against the B&O Railroad Outcome: Inconclusive Combatants Brigade Brigade Commanders F.W. Lander Brigadier General, USA Thomas J. Jackson Major General, CSA Strength Casualties 25 total (US & CS) 25 total (US & CS)

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On January 1, Maj. Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson marched north in bitter cold from Winchester to Bath with the objective of disrupting traffic on the B&O Railroad and C&O Canal. On January 5, after skirmishing with the retiring Federals, Jackson’s force reached the Potomac River opposite the garrisoned town of Hancock, Maryland. His artillery fired on the town from Orrick’s Hill but did little damage. Union garrison commander Brig. Gen. F.W. Lander refused Jackson’s demands for surrender. Jackson continued the bombardment for two days while unsuccessfully searching for a safe river crossing. The Confederates withdrew and marched on Romney, in western Virginia, on January 7. (NPS summary)