Cross Keys, VA

Date(s): June 8, 1862

Location:

Campaign(s): Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign [March-June 1862]

Battles in Campaign:

Situation:

Commanders:

• Union: Major General John C. Frémont

• Confederate: Major General Richard S. Ewell

Principal Forces:

• Union: 11,500

• Confederate: 5,800

Description:

• Moving up the Shenandoah Valley in pursuit of Jackson's army, Major General John C. Frémont's army encountered Major General Richard S. Ewell's division at Cross Keys on June 8th. 

• Brigadier General Julius Stahel's brigade, attacking on the Union left, was stunned by a surprise volley from Trimble's command and driven back in confusion.

• After feeling out other parts of the Confederate line, Frémont withdrew to the Keezletown Road under protection of his batteries.

• The next day, Trimble's and Patton's brigades held Frémont at bay, while the rest of Ewell's force crossed the river to assist in the defeat of Brigadier General E. Tyler's command at Port Republic.

Slide Presentation: None

Classification²: B

Casualties³:

• Union: 664

• Confederate: 287

Results: Confederate Victory

Battlefield Websites: 

• The Battle of Cross Keys - Wikipedia

Recommended Resources:

¹ National Park Service summary.

² Classification:

• A - having a decisive influence on a campaign and a direct impact on the course of the war

• B - having a direct and decisive influence on their campaign

• C - having observable influence on the outcome of a campaign

• D - having a limited influence on the outcome of their campaign or operation but achieving or affecting important local objectives

³ Casualties are someone killed, injured, wounded, captured or missing.

Revised 01/02/2009