Piedmont, VA

Date(s): June 5-6, 1864

Location: Please click on link below for map.

Campaign(s): Lynchburg Campaign [May-June 1864]

Battles in Campaign:

• New Market, VA - May 15, 1864

B

• Piedmont, VA - June 5-6, 1864 B

• Lynchburg, VA - June 17-18, 1864 B

Situation:

Commanders:

• Union:  Maj. Gen. David Hunter

• Confederate: Brig. Gen. William E. Jones

Principal Forces:

• Union: 8,500

• Confederate: 5,500

Description:

• After replacing Sigel in command of Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley, Maj. Gen. David “Black Dave” Hunter renewed the Union offensive.

• On June 5, Hunter engaged the Confederate army under “Grumble” Jones north of Piedmont.

• After severe fighting, a flanking movement made by Thoburn’s brigade turned Jones' right flank.

• While trying to stem the retreat of his soldiers, Jones was killed and the retreat became a rout.

• More than 1,000 Confederates, including 60 officers, were captured. 

• Hunter occupied Staunton on June 6th and, after a pause to await the arrival of Brig. Gen. George Crook’s column, began to advance on Lynchburg, destroying military stores and public property on his route.

Slide Presentation: None

Classification²: B

Casualties³:

• Union:875

• Confederate: 1,500

Results: Union Victory

Battlefield Websites: 

• Hunter's Raid

Lodging and Restaurants: Virginia Tourism

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 02/22/2012