Fisher's Hill, VA

Date(s): September 21-22, 1864

Location: Please click on link below for map.

Campaign(s): Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign [August-December 1864]

Battles in Campaign:

• Guard Hill, VA - August 16, 1864 C¹

• Summit Point, WV - August 21, 1864 D¹

• Smithfield Crossing, WV - August 25-29, 1864 D¹

• Berryville, VA - September 3-4, 1864 C¹

• Opequon, VA - September 19, 1864 A

• Fisher's Hill, VA - September 21-22, 1864 B

• Cedar Creek, VA - October 19, 1864 A

Situation:

Commanders:

• Union: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan

• Confederate: Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early 

Principal Forces:

• Union: 29,444

• Confederate: 9,500

Description:

• Early’s army, bloodied by its defeat at Opequon (Third Winchester) on September 19th, took up a strong defensive position at Fisher’s Hill, south of Strasburg.

• On September 21st, the Union army advanced, driving back the skirmishers and capturing important high ground.

• On the 22nd, Crook’s Corps moved along North Mountain to outflank Early and attacked about 4 pm.

• The Confederate cavalry offered little resistance, and the startled infantry were unable to face the attacking force.

• The Confederate defense collapsed from west to east as Sheridan’s other corps join in the assault.

• Early retreated to Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, opening the Valley to a Union “scorched earth” invasion.

• Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg were burned in what became known as the “Burning” or “Red October.”

Slide Presentation: None

Classification²: B

Casualties³:

• Union: 528

• Confederate: 1,235

Results: Union Victory

Battlefield Websites: 

Recommended Resources:

¹ National Park Service summary.

² Slide Presentations Click on link to view as web-based slide show.

³ 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

⁴ Casualties are someone killed, injured, wounded, captured or missing.

Revised 07/26/2008