First Battle of Winchester

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First Battle of Winchester
Bowers Hill
Began:

May 25, 1862

Ended:

Same day

Location:

Frederick County and
City of Winchester, Virginia

Theater:

Eastern Theater

Campaign:

Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign

Outcome:

Confederate victory

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png

Department of the Shenandoah
One division, additional attached units

Department of the Valley
Two divisions

Commanders

Nathaniel P. Banks
Major General, USA

Thomas J. Jackson
Major General, CSA

Strength

6,500

16,000

Casualties

2,019

400

  

After skirmishing with Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks's retreating army at Middletown and Newtown on May 24, Maj. Gen. T.J. Jackson's division continued north on the Valley Pike toward Winchester. There, Banks was attempting to reorganize his army to defend the town. Ewell's division converged on Winchester from the southeast using the Front Royal Pike. On May 25, Ewell attacked Camp Hill, while the Louisiana Brigade of Jackson's division outflanked and overran the Union position on Bowers Hill. Panic spread through the Federal ranks, and many fled through Winchester. Banks's army was soundly defeated and withdrew north across the Potomac River. This was a decisive battle in Jackson's Valley Campaign. (NPS summary)