The Battle of Thoroughfare Gap
Chapman's Mill
August 28, 1862
After skirmishing near Chapman’s Mill in Thoroughfare Gap, Brig. Gen. James Ricketts’s Union division was flanked by a Confederate column passing through Hopewell Gap several miles to the north and by troops securing the high ground at Thoroughfare Gap. Ricketts retired, and Longstreet’s wing of the army marched through the gap to join Jackson. This seemingly inconsequential action virtually ensured Pope’s defeat during the battles of Aug. 29-30 because it allowed the two wings of Lee’s army to unite on the Manassas battlefield. Ricketts withdrew via Gainesville to Manassas Junction.
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Preservation
Threats
Most Endangered
- This battlefield was identified in our annual report History Under Siege™ in:
- 2010 »
Battle Facts
Campaign
- Northern Virginia Campaign 1862
Battles In This Campaign
Location
- Prince William County, Virginia
Dates
- August 28, 1862
Union Commander
Confederate Commander
Forces Engaged
- 5,000 Union
- 28,000 Confederate
Result
- Confederate Victory
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