Jackson Draws His Sword

In the summer of 1862, Federal Gen. John Pope threatened to retaliate against Southern civilians who tried to thwart the efforts of his new army. The threats prompted Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee to issue Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson the somber order: "I want Pope to be suppressed."

Outnumbered by Pope's forces, Jackson sought an opportunity to attack an isolated portion of the Union command, and discovered one at Cedar Mountain on the severely hot day of August 9, 1862.

Jackson's force of 22,000 men advanced north along the Culpeper Road (visible directly behind you, which also extended ahead of you in 1862). The Confederates encountered Federal Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks with 12,000 soldiers blocking the road ? of a mile ahead of you.

Jackson quickly placed his men into line along Crittenden Lane, to your right, anchoring the position on the shelf of Cedar Mountain, the high ground to your right. As the Confederates went into position, an artillery duel erupted. Near the gate at this end of the Crittenden Lane, Confederate Gen. Charles S. Winder was mortally wounded when a shell lacerated his abdomen.

About 5 p.m., Federal infantry assaulted. Jackson easily repulsed the attack on his center but preparation on his left had not been completed when Federal Gen. Samuel W. Crawford struck and shattered the Confederate line.

Here at the gate, Jackson rode into the midst of a desperate struggle. An observer stated, "The escape of Jackson from death was miraculous. He was in the thickest of the combat." Waving his sword (rusted to his scabbard) and crying "Jackson is with you," the commander successfully rallied his men. The opportune arrival of reinforcements stabilized the line, and then drove the Federals back toward Culpeper.

The Confederates suffered about 1,400 casualties and the Union losses numbered about 2,500.

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Show me all markers in:  Rapidan, VA  |  Culpeper County  |  22733  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

The Battle of Cedar Mountain
The Battle of Cedar Mountain
Hand-to-Hand Fighting
Battle of Cedar Mountain
Battle of Cedar Mountain
The Battle of Cedar Mountain
The Battle of Cedar Mountain
The Battle of Cedar Mountain
The Battle of Cedar Mountain
46th Pennsylvania Infantry

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