Last modified on June 27, 2016, at 04:20

Battle of Guard Hill

Battle of Guard Hill
Front Royal, Cedarville
Began:

August 16, 1864

Ended:

Same day

Location:

Warren County, Virginia

Theater:

Eastern Theater

Campaign:

Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign

Outcome:

Inconclusive

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png
Commanders

Wesley Merritt
Brigadier General, USA

Richard Anderson
Lieutenant General, CSA

Strength
Casualties

71

480

  

Kershaw’s infantry division and Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry, under overall command of Lt. Gen. Richard Anderson (Army of Northern Virginia, I Corps) were sent from Petersburg to reinforce Early’s army in the Valley. At Front Royal on the August 16, Union cavalry of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt’s division surprised the Confederate columns in mid-stream of the Shenandoah River, capturing about 300. The Confederates rallied and advanced, gradually driving the two Union brigades back to Cedarville. After dark, Merritt withdrew to Ninevah. (NPS summary)