1862 Shenandoah Campaign

Stop Here! Ashby Monument

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment

If you’re a cavalry fan, then today’s stop is one site you won’t want to miss in the Shenandoah Valley. Or if you’re learning about Civil War history in the Valley, it’s also a significant spot.

Ever heard of Turner Ashby? He commanded Confederate cavalry for Stonewall Jackson  and created quite a name and reputation for himself. However, he didn’t live to see the end of the war, dying in battle in 1862 near Harrisonburg, Virginia. Today, a large granite marker memorializes his fall. Let’s stop and take a look… Continue reading →

One Huge Map, One Historic Campaign

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

“I want you to make me a map of the valley, from Harpers Ferry to Lexington, showing all the points of offense and defense in those places.” Simple, but now legendary words which started the partnership of Jed Hotchkiss and Thomas J. Jackson, leading to the 1862 Confederate military triumph in the Shenandoah Valley.

Today, we’ll talk about the history of this extraordinary mapmaker and how his HUGE map became part of Civil War legends and a major campaign success… Continue reading →

Ashby’s Tom Telegraph

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 5 Comments

 

Turner Ashby served most his Civil War battles and skirmishes as a colonel, but he was promoted to brigadier general about two weeks before his death. Ashby is a controversial figure among some historians. However, I think it’s relatively easy to agree that his horses helped create his image and his legends. Numerous accounts mention Ashby’s horses and one of his favorites was a big white stallion called Tom Telegraph. Continue reading →

1862: “Willing To Exterminate Us”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

August 9, 1862

We went to Anna Brown’s funeral this morning, a most sad and touching service. We begin to feel anxious and a little depressed. We hear nothing from Jackson, he is lost again. It is true that always means that some great move is on hand. The most malignant spirit pervades the Lincoln government. If their plans could be carried out, they would be quite willing to exterminate us. The paper this evening says the rejoicing of yesterday were premature. McClellan has retired again from Malvern Hill. It was merely a reconnaissance, they say. Continue reading →

1862: “Long And Rapid Marches”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 6 Comments

May 26, 1862

Within four weeks this army has made long and rapid marches, fought six combats and two battles, signally defeated the enemy in each one, captured several stands of colors, and pieces of artillery, with numerous prisoners, and vast medical ordnance, and army stores; and, finally, driving the boastful host which was ravaging our beautiful country, into utter rout. The General commanding would warmly express to the officers and men under his command, his joy in their achievements, and his thanks for their brilliant gallantry in action and their patient obedience under the hardships of forced marches; often more painful to the brave soldier than the dangers of battle. The explanation of the severe exertions to which the Commanding General called the army, which were endured by them with such cheerful confidence in him, is now given, in the victory of yesterday. He receives this proof of their confidence in the past with pride and gratitude, and asks only a similar confidence in the future. Continue reading →