Battle of McDowell

Battle of McDowell Sitlington’s Hill Began: May 8, 1862 Ended: Same day Location: Highland County, Virginia Theater: Eastern Theater Campaign: Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign Outcome: Confederate victory Combatants Mountain Department (two brigades) Valley District, Jackson's Division Army of the Northwest Commanders Robert Milroy Brigadier General, USA Robert Schenck Brigadier General, USA Thomas J. Jackson Major General, CSA Edward "Allegheny" Johnson Brigadier General, CSA Strength 6,500 6,000 Casualties 259 Killed: 34 Wounded: 220 Missing: 5 420 Killed: 116 Wounded: 300 Missing: 4

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From Staunton, Maj. Gen. T.J. Jackson marched his army west along the Parkersburg Road to confront two brigades of Frémont’s force (Milroy and Schenck), advancing toward the Shenandoah Valley from western Virginia. At McDowell on May 8, Milroy seized the initiative and assaulted the Confederate position on Sitlington’s Hill. The Federals were repulsed after severe fighting, lasting four hours. Afterwards, Milroy and Schenck withdrew into western Virginia, freeing up Jackson’s army to march against the other Union columns threatening the Valley. (NPS summary)