Civil War History

Your Guide to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
Civil War Sites Battlefields, Museums,
Historic Homes, and More!

The Bed and Breakfasts of the Historic Shenandoah Valley have provided you with this guide as a reminder of the importance of the Shenandoah Valley as not only a food provider during the Civil War but as an important strategic location for the Southern Armies of General Robert E. Lee as his link to the North. As you will discover, there were many Virginia Civil War battles and many heroes made and broken in the Shenandoah Valley.

Upon visiting “The Valley” and looking at the terrain that was traversed on a daily basis, you will begin to understand the tenacity of the soldiers that fought in this war.

You will discover that the original North-South road, Route 11, is still a very active highway running through and connecting many of the towns in the Shenandoah Valley, from the north of Winchester to south of Lexington. These towns and their residents are what make the Shenandoah Valley a wonderful place to visit. You will discover the hospitality of the people of this region that makes it what it is today.

The Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley:
A Brief History

During the Civil War, the Shenandoah Valley was one of the most hotly contested areas in the north or the south. The Valley was Virginia’s breadbasket, providing provisions for the large armies that operated there. It also was a key route to the Confederate capital of Richmond, forming a natural corridor through which Union armies could penetrate deep into Virginia and threaten the city from the rear. Military historians remember the Valley as the site of one of the greatest campaigns in the history of warfare, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s spring campaign of 1862. The Shenandoah Valley was continually conquered and re-conquered during the war and is one of the few regions that can be said to have had a great impact on both sides for the duration of the hostilities.

On May 24, 1861, the day after Virginia’s citizens voted in favor of secession from the Union, a Federal force occupied Alexandria, effectively controlling the whole of northern Virginia. Union soldiers would occupy the area for virtually the entire war. This bloodless loss for the Confederates ultimately meant that the Shenandoah Valley would be relied upon more and more to sustain the armies of the south and that its protection from invasion was of the utmost importance.

Although important from the beginning agriculturally, the Shenandoah Valley did not figure prominently in terms of engagements and campaigning until Jackson’s daring marches, train rides, and pitched battles beginning in the early spring of 1862. At this point, General George McClellan’s Army of the Potomac had traveled by boat up the James River and was sitting on the doorstep of Richmond, facing a Confederate force under Joseph Johnston that was severely outnumbered. McClellan, however, stopped in his tracks at the first hint of resistance and demanded that additional troops be provided to him. The men he requested were stationed in Fredericksburg, under the command of Irwin McDowell, and numbered over 40,000. Jackson’s goal was to make Union commanders, most notably the cautious President Lincoln, believe that he could threaten Washington, D.C., thereby forcing them to keep McDowell at Fredericksburg where he could be easily relocated if the defense of Washington became necessary. This was a fairly lofty goal to be accomplished with Jackson’s starting force of less than 3,000 men.

Jackson began his campaign by attacking a much larger Union force at Kernstown, just south of Winchester. The battle was never intended to be a tactical victory. The Confederate attack was easily repulsed, but Jackson had correctly assumed that Lincoln would overreact to his ploy, keeping McDowell in Fredericksburg and canceling plans to dispatch a detachment of Nathaniel Banks’ army, then at Harper’s Ferry, to assist McClellan. Jackson also hoped to represent a stronger force than he actually commanded, and in this, too, he succeeded.

Jackson continued to build his forces, elude two Federal armies, pull out of the Valley entirely in order to further confuse his enemy, and win decisive victories at Winchester and Port Republic. His campaign was a stunning success, removing the threat to the Valley, occupying some 78,000 Union soldiers, and giving Confederate armies around Richmond the time they needed to adequately defend the capital, all with a force that, at its strongest, numbered no more than 17,000. It is not an embellishment to say that Jackson’s actions in the Shenandoah Valley prolonged the War by almost three years.

During Robert E. Lee’s Gettysburg campaign in the summer of 1863, the Valley was used as the main avenue of the southern advance into Maryland and Pennsylvania, using the Blue Ridge Mountains to screen his army’s movements. Winchester, Strasburg, and New Market also provided countless new recruits for the drive north. Lee defeated a sizable Federal garrison at Winchester on June 15, clearing the path into Union territory, and allowing his Army of Northern Virginia to continue on to the fateful Battle of Gettysburg. After Lee was defeated at Gettysburg, he again used the Valley to march his troops back toward the Confederate capital.

The final major campaign in the Shenandoah Valley occurred from the spring through the fall of 1864 and was characterized by several fierce battles and the destruction of much of the agricultural value of the area by the cavalry of Philip Sheridan. The campaign began when Franz Sigel’s Federal army was ordered to capture the Valley as far south as Harrisonburg in order to prevent the rebel forces there from becoming a nuisance as U.S. Grant led the Army of the Potomac in a final drive toward Richmond. Sigel was driven back at New Market and forced to vacate the Valley.

The Federals soon returned and were again beaten back by Jubal Early’s Confederates, this time at Kernstown. However, Union reinforcements soon arrived, and Early’s army was overpowered at the Third Battle of Winchester, forcing his retreat out of the Valley and leaving it at the mercy of Sheridan’s newly-arrived cavalry forces. Sheridan was ordered to destroy the Valley’s ability to sustain troops and demoralize its citizens, which he did promptly and violently, tearing up railroad tracks and setting fire to barns and mills.

The final battle of the Shenandoah Valley occurred at Cedar Creek on October 9, 1864, where Early’s initially successful attacks were soon thrown back and the Confederate army was routed, giving the Federals free reign of the Valley. The Civil War ended several months later when Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox.

Civil War Memories – Stories and Songs

The articles and books below were written by soldiers and citizens who actually lived through the Civil War in Virginia. They provide an interesting perspective of what happened during the war and how life changed after the war.

The Valley Campaigns:

• Being the Reminiscences of a Non-Combatant While Between the Lines in the Shenandoah Valley During the War of the States (This is about life in Front Royal, Virginia, an excellent read to get a real feel of life in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and events during the Civil War)
• How a One-Legged Rebel Lives: Reminiscences of the Civil War
• A Condensed Anti-Slavery Bible Argument; By a Citizen of Virginia
• The Memoirs of Colonel John S. Mosby
• A Soldier’s Recollections: Leaves From The Diary of a Young Confederate
• Robert E. Lee Papers at the Special Collections Department of the James Graham Leyburn Library at Washington and Lee University
• Lieutenant General Jubal Anderson Early C.S.A. – Autobiographical Sketch and Narrative of the War Between the States
• Sheridans “Early” Victory

Choose An Inn

A B&B at Llewellyn Lodge 603 South Main Street Lexington, VA 24450 (800) 882-1145 Visit Website Enjoy in-town convenience at Llewellyn as you explore one of the Shenandoah's most special places. A most enjoyable 8-10 walk takes you down tree-lined Main Street by many older homes and the Stonewall Jackson Cemetery to several nice restaurants, museums, and shops. Virginia Military Institute and Museum and Washington & Lee University and Lee Chapel are just a little further. Lexington is a must-visit for Civil War history enthusiasts, and our General's Package is a perfect way soak up local history. Indulge in our Blue Ribbon breakfast breakfasts from our menu, beverages in the afternoon and evening and extremely comfortable Kingsdown beds to provide you with a restful night's sleep. Enjoy nearby activities like our in-town hiking trails, Natural Bridge, the Blue Ridge Parkway, golf, horseback riding, tennis, wine & beer tasting, antique malls, guided fly-fishing trips, canoeing, and a working mill. Our Hosts John and Ellen have hosted travelers for over 31 years and the Lodge been featured in Southern Living magazine . Walkins welcomed.

Hill Crest Bed & Breakfast 1100 McCormick Blvd Clifton Forge, VA 24422 (385) 201-4106 Visit Website Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Clifton Forge, Virginia, Hill Crest Bed and Breakfast is the premier historic, full service, luxury accommodation in the Alleghany Highlands. Upon arrival you will enjoy afternoon tea in Julia’s Tea Room under one of our stunning antique Italian crystal chandeliers. All seven rooms offer beautiful private historic or spa retreat bathrooms, and the beds feature feather down pillow top mattresses and fine, luxury linens. The daily gourmet five-course silver service breakfast in our dramatic, formal dining room, will surprise and delight your sophisticated palette. Nightly turn-down services includes a night cap and elegant chocolates. Waste away the afternoon rocking on our wrap-around porch with amazing views of the mountains and town. In the summer, enjoy our relaxing outdoor pool. Or you might choose to have a pampered in-room massage for two from our Professional Massage Therapist. Combining historic charm, updated high-end finishes and furnishings, and personalized service, Hill Crest Bed and Breakfast is the perfect luxury escape.

Fox Hill Bed and Breakfast Suites 4383 Borden Grant Trail Fairfield, VA 24435 (800) 369-8005 Visit Website Unwind and relax in the quiet comfort of our elegant 38-acre country retreat with its spectacular mountain views, open spaces, fresh country air and plenty of privacy. Rest in your spacious suite, explore the area, or simply curl up on the porch and enjoy the clouds float by over the mountains in the distance. Take advantage of our walking trails and meadows with your favorite furry companions -- dogs are most welcome at Fox Hill! Our B&B is the perfect base for your Shenandoah Valley getaway as you explore the wonders of the Shenandoah Valley, cultural, historic, and natural.

River Bluff Farm Bed and Breakfast 183 Quicksburg Mill Lane Quicksburg, VA 22847 540-454-9751 Visit Website Located above the banks of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, the River Bluff Farm Bed and Breakfast offers three guest rooms each with private bath. Experience rustic elegance in this lovely log and timber home on 20 private acres. Enjoy breakfast on the expansive deck overlooking the river or in the cozy log cabin dining room. Hike to the top of the Bluff for beautiful views of the Allegany and Massanutten mountain ranges. Put in or take out kayaks canoes and tubes on our river frontage. Whether floating or fishing, the North Fork is scenic and peaceful. Conveniently located to I-81. Close to New Market Battlefield, Shenandoah Caverns, wineries, breweries and year round outdoor activities. The log cabin with kitchen, living room, second floor sitting room, gardens and grounds are for the enjoyment of our guests. Whole house and extended-stay lodging is also available.

Herring Hall 154 Herring Hall Road Natural Bridge, VA 24578 540-460-3365 Visit Website Built as the "Manor Home" of a 600 acre plantation in the beautiful Southern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Herring Hall has been our family home and a Rockbridge County Landmark for generations. Originally named “Clover Hill,” Herring Hall is one of the locally famous “Seven Hills of Rockbridge County,” all historically significant mansions built by the Grigsby Family. Herring Hall, circa 1812, was a famous Inn and Restaurant from 1926 – 1970. Having received awards and accolades from Duncan Hines and AAA, it had offered distinctively prepared meals and lodging to a steady clientele. Third generation Innkeeper, Anne Herring, is excited to offer Grand Lodging in antebellum elegance once again at Herring Hall. Visiting Herring Hall offers an opportunity to live in the past, to appreciate the quality craftsmanship and architectural detail of another era, and most importantly, to enjoy Southern Hospitality at its finest! Once you visit Herring Hall, you’ll want to return. You’ll find our doorway always open to you in cordial welcome.

Steeles Tavern Manor 30 Butler Circle Steeles Tavern, Virgina 24476 (800) 743-8666 Visit Website Our 1916 Manor House is located between Staunton and Lexington in the valley on 50 acres at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Experience luxury linens, Jaccuzi tubs and modern amenities while staying in one of our 5 spacious guest rooms all with private baths, fireplaces and freshly baked welcome cookies. Want something more secluded and spacious? Our cottages are romantic "hideaways" with full kitchens, fireplaces, double Jaccuzi tubs and outdoor hot tubs on private decks. Up to two dogs per guests are welcome in our Pond View Cottage. Connect to free WiFi in any of our accommodations. Roam the grounds, relax by the pool, pond or creek or enjoy an area activity in the valley or Blue Ridge. And, as always, enjoy the warm hospitality.

South Court Inn 160 South Court Street Luray, VA 22835 (888) 749-8055 Visit Website South Court Inn is a “gracious oasis” from your busy life! We check in guests and check out friends. We do everything possible to make your getaway a memorable experience—complementary ‘goodies’ scattered around the house, 24/7 coffee, tea, fruit, nuts and baked from scratch cookies, pastries in the Sun Room, and a relaxing living room with lots of games and reading material. We have two, spacious acres of land with swings, chairs, lawn games, and a short walking distance to “downtown” Luray’s shops and eateries. Three rooms have a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountain, as does the front porch. Last but not least are Adelheid’s unbelievable breakfasts! We’ll look after you like best friends, and you’ll have a stay you’ll talk about for a long time! Give us a call at 1-540-843-0980 or e mail us at stay@southcourtinn.com.

Brierley Hill 985 Borden Road Lexington, VA 24450 (800) 422-4925 Visit Website Visit our luxurious Lexington bed & breakfast with breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and her Blue Ridge Mountains. Our Inn rests on eight acres of peaceful Virginia countryside, but is only minutes away from the center of Lexington, VA and all of its rich history. Brierley Hill provides our guests with 6 rooms (including 3 bedrooms and 3 two-room suites), all of which have their own private bathrooms. During your stay, enjoy a show on TV or a movie in your DVD player, the comfort of 350+ thread count linens, the warmth of your fireplace/stove, and the aesthetic beauty of Pati Bannister prints. Additionally, our suites provide compact refrigerators, sleeper sofas, separate sitting rooms, and Whirlpool tubs for your relaxation. We also offer central heat/air conditioning and free high-speed Internet to ensure your comfort. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Travelers' Checks. (Want to give the gift of a Brierley Hill getaway? Check out our gift certificates.)

Hummingbird Inn 30 Wood Ln Goshen, VA 24439 (800) 478-8714 Visit Website Make your next getaway or celebration worth savoring at the Historic circa 1853 Hummingbird Inn. Whether you’re looking for a romantic setting, comforting country hospitality, or easy access to the amenities of the scenic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, this historic Bed & Breakfast’s elegant, relaxed atmosphere is ideal to reconnect and refresh. The Inn is located in western Shenandoah Valley on Mill Creek in the tiny rural town of Goshen just 4 doors from Appalachian Waters Scenic Route 39 Byway. Guests can explore the natural wonders of Goshen Pass, enjoy country scenic drives to experience hiking, horseback riding, farm tours, wineries, breweries or the cultural offerings of Lexington, Staunton, Warm Springs & Hot Springs, then “come home” to a warm, beautifully-appointed private retreat to enjoy alone or with family and friends.

The Iris Inn 191 Chinquapin Drive Waynesboro, VA 22980 (888) 585-9018 Visit website The Iris Inn offers you relaxation from atop 12 acres of the Blue Ridge mountains. From the modern luxury of our cabins (fondly called treehouses for adults) to the lavish amenities of our cottages and in-house suites, you'll find yourself refreshed and renewed after an Iris Inn getawy. Enjoy wine tasting some of 27 vineyards within half an hour of the Inn or a visit to the homes of four former US presidents. We're only 3 miles away from Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, including some absolutely breathtaking hiking trails and scenic drives! From skiing at Wintergreen to wine tasting by horseback, there is much to do around the area. In-room massage and Wi-Fi are also available. Check out our website for more information!