Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Preserving the Shenandoah Valley's historic landscapes and managing the National Historic District
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Our Mission: To be recognized as the most extensively protected, well preserved, and accurately interpreted collection of Civil War sites in the United States, centered in the Shenandoah Valley, as a place of unmatched scenic beauty where generations can gather to understand, commemorate, and draw meaning from our nations heritage.

162 Years Ago Today... The Battle of Smithfield Crossing ContinuesAfter the cavalry action the day before, on the mornin...
08/29/2026

162 Years Ago Today... The Battle of Smithfield Crossing Continues

After the cavalry action the day before, on the morning of August 29, Confederate Gen. Jubal Early committed infantry. Two Confederate infantry divisions crossed the Opequon at Smithfield Crossing and pushed hard against the Union cavalry. Gen. George Custer’s brigade, sent across on reconnaissance, was driven back. Gen. Wesley Merritt’s division was forced to give ground through the village and along the road toward Charlestown.

The Confederate advance was finally checked when Gen. James Ricketts’s infantry division of the VI Corps arrived and stiffened the Union line. The Confederates withdrew back across the creek. The result was inconclusive. Neither side achieved a decisive victory, but Union forces regained control of the Smithfield Crossing.

As we approach the anniversary of the Third Battle of Wi******er, take a look at this week’s video to learn about the re...
08/29/2026

As we approach the anniversary of the Third Battle of Wi******er, take a look at this week’s video to learn about the remarkable role Thomas Laws played in the battle.

Enslaved at the beginning of the Civil War, Laws actions provided the vital conduit that allowed Union Gen. Philip Sheridan to receive critical intelligence—intelligence that helped pave the way for the Union attack on September 19, 1864.

Discover the story of Thomas Laws and the important role his bravery played using the link in the comments!

162 Years Ago Today... The Battle of Smithfield CrossingOn August 28, Gen. Wesley Merritt’s Union cavalry division advan...
08/28/2026

162 Years Ago Today... The Battle of Smithfield Crossing

On August 28, Gen. Wesley Merritt’s Union cavalry division advanced from near Harpers Ferry toward Leetown and Smithfield. After being driven back earlier in the day, Confederate Gen. Lunsford Lomax and Gen. Fitzhugh Lee took position on the ridges outside Smithfield.

After initial fighting, and the artillery setting a few homes in Smithfield ablaze, the Confederate line was threatened by a flanking movement from Gen. George Custer's brigade that threatened to cut them off from the bridge over Opequon Creek. Lomax and Lee retreated back to the main Confederate lines near Bunker Hill and Brucetown while Merritt seized the crossing as the day came to a close.

Some progress photos of the six cannons being painted in our shop! Thanks again to Emerson Seward Painting for doing suc...
08/27/2026

Some progress photos of the six cannons being painted in our shop! Thanks again to Emerson Seward Painting for doing such great work on these!

08/27/2026

STAR FORT — Back in November 2024, I finally made it to this site that I had longed to stop at around Wi******er, Virginia. Preserved, managed, and interpreted by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, these surviving works are incredible to see as they are in a modern neighborhood and surrounded by development.

Originally containing a series of gun emplacements that were built by troops from the 4th Alabama in 1861, this was called "Fort Alabama.” After Union General Robert Milroy arrived here in early 1863, the works were vastly built upon and improved here and at the other sites defending Wi******er. This high ground could provide any occupying force with great vantage points of the landscape around the lower Shenandoah Valley. At its capacity, this defense could hold around 8 guns and 1,500 soldiers.

Star Fort figured prominently during the Second Battle of Wi******er (Gettysburg Campaign) over June 13-15, 1863. Milroy placed his outnumbered Federals into this fortification and the other defenses that were located to the west and north of the city. Low on ammunition and food, Milroy sought to break out with his men and attempted to make it to Harpers Ferry.

Early on June 15, Confederate General Edward “Allegheny" Johnson's Division cut them off at Stephenson's Depot. Around half of Milroy's force was captured. In Pennsylvania, the Battle of Gettysburg was fought less than three weeks later.

On September 19th, join author and historian Scott Patchan for three focused tours that explore pivotal moments from the...
08/26/2026

On September 19th, join author and historian Scott Patchan for three focused tours that explore pivotal moments from the Third Battle of Wi******er. For the full schedule of events, including our partners at Fort Collier, visit our website using the link in the comments.

The Town of Middletown has announced the preservation of an additional two acres at the Cedar Creek Battlefield! We're p...
08/25/2026

The Town of Middletown has announced the preservation of an additional two acres at the Cedar Creek Battlefield! We're proud to have them as a partner in preservation!

"In our most recent comprehensive plan, 60% of respondents identified historic preservation as the top priority for Middletown’s future. This purchase reflects that shared commitment. We are deeply grateful to the landowners for their generosity and proud to continue protecting the landscapes that define our identity and tell the story of the Battle of Cedar Creek. I am particularly proud of the Middletown Town Council for aggressively pursuing land preservation measures." - Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV

You can find the full press release via the link in the comments.

Address

9386 S Congress Street
New Market, VA
22844

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15407404545

Website

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