Battlefield 3:  Shenandoah Valley

This area, of course, contains many battle sites from Jackson's Campaign until the burning of the Valley in 1864.  The sites are in different states of existence with some being almost non-existent.

Port Republic

Almost missed this as I didn't see it until I was leaving the church parking lot across the street. This is supposed to be the site of the coaling. 

View towards the area the Reb's flanked the Coaling:

View towards the "exposed" battlefield. Lots of trees in the way now.

Looking back up towards coaling:

Looking at parking lot in front of Coaling and church:

Looking towards battlefield after crossing highway:

Open area Rebel's crossed in front of Coaling:

Looking back towards Coaling (Just over and to the left of the car in distance. NOT the hill in background.) Major portion of battlefield is to the right of the road.

Open area again showing rise in middle of field:

Stonewall Jackson's house in Lexington:

Virginia Military Institute

There was a lot of construction and activity going on during my visit here. Still a very impressive place to visit.  Jackson's museum was located in the Pershing Museum while the chapel undergoes a major renovation.

George Washington, another famous Rebel:

Historic French cannon that escaped the smelters to be made into Civil War  models.

The famous mural inside the chapel of the Cadets fighting at New Market:

Lee's picture hangs to the left side of the mural and Jackson's to the right:

One of the Cadets killed at New Market:

Flag at half mast for Ronald Reagan:

Six of the Cadets killed at New Market are buried here:

"Little Sorrel" stuffed and on display at museum:

Jackson's US uniform:

Time period Cadet's room:

Jackson's personal writing desk that traveled with his headquarters:

Lacrosse on parade ground:

Commandant's home:

Lee's horse "Traveler" buried right outside of Lee's crypt in basement of Chapel:

Washington and Lee University (Located right next door to VMI):

Chapel at Washington and Lee University (Designed by Lee) contains crypt of Robert E. Lee, Henry "Lighthorse Harry" Lee, and many other members of the family in basement:

Busts of Washington and Lee inside main building:

On the road towards McDowell there is a small roadside park with this marker:

Fort Edward Johnson

Located on the road from Staunton to McDowell at the top of the pass. This was totally unsuspected.  I knew Johnson was posted on the road to McDowell, but the extent of the breastworks here is pretty impressive.  They use letters from a soldier stationed here as a way to present the site:

Looking towards McDowell (over 20 miles away):

McDowell Battlefield

This was one of the highlights of my trip, the hike to the top of Sitlington's Hill.  This is NOT an easy walk and is definitely uphill all the way!  Thanks to the Civil War Preservation Trust this site is preserved for us to visit.  Thanks guys!

This sign is set up facing the wrong direction.  Notice the correction: "left flank".

Standing on the same ground that the 12th Georgia so valiantly defended.  That is a hallowing moment for sure:

View down the mountain in front of the 12th Georgia's position:

Looking back towards the area occupied by 44th Virginia:

Flowers on top of Sitlington Hill:

Local resident:

And back down the hill:

In the town of McDowell:

Outside of town looking back towards Sitlington Hill:

Massanutten Mountain

One of the surprises to me was the width of the valleys on each side of Massanutten Mountain.  There was lots of room to hide an army.

Port Republic

The battle of Port Republic nearly cost the Confederacy the loss of Jackson.  His narrow escape across the bridge is a tale legends are made from!

Site where covered bridge stood:

Looking towards Artillery Ridge where Confederate artillery was located (tree line):

Excellent interpretive site by CWPT:

Backside of Artillery Ridge:

Area where Trimble's attack chopped down the 8th NY - rolling terrain and mostly residential area now: