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General Description: The CWPT purchased 126.5 acres of the McDowell battlefield in 1990, and secured easements on 9 more acres. The property consists of the top of Sitlington Hill, where the Confederate battle lines were located and the heaviest fighting occurred. The easement provides access along the ascent route used by Southern troops. The land is heavily wooded with some open fields. The purchase price was $64,000. Parking is available and interpretive signs will be available in the near future. Civil War History: The Battle of McDowell, fought on May 8, 1862, was the first of Confederate General T.J. "Stonewall" Jackson's successes during the famous Valley Campaign. Jackson spent the weeks after his defeat at Kernstown rebuilding his forces, developing a strategy to relieve the pressure on Richmond, and halt the advance of Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley. In early May, Jackson started his 9,000 man army toward McDowell. The object of attack was Brigadier General Robert H. Milroy and his 3,500 Federals. Milroy was the advance guard for Major General John C. Fremont and his army in western Virginia. On May 8, 2,500 men under Brigadier General Robert E. Schenck reinforced Milroy, bringing his force to 6,000. That same morning, Jackson and his men were in sight of the village. Leaving the turnpike and traveling through a ravine, they siezed the high ground on Bull Pasture Mountain, known as Sitlington's Hill. This hill was the only relatively flat area, topped with an open field. Steep, wooded, slopes surrounded the summit. Before the Confederates devised a plan of attack, Union troops vigorously attacked up the hill. The sun cast shadows on the attacking soldiers while silhouetting their enemies atop the hill, contributing to the high Confederate casuality rate.
Intense fighting continued through the remainder of the day, but Union forces made no notable progress. They withdrew across the Bull Pasture River at nightfall and retreated to Monterey. The next morning the Confederates descended into McDowell, and stayed a day to rest after the intense fighting. The Confederates suffered 500 casulaties to the Union's 256. Though Union General Milroy did not defeat Jackson at McDowell, he did discourage immediate Confederate pursuit. Following the battle, Jackson sent a message to Richmond. The simple report stated, "God blessed our arms with victory at McDowell yesterday." The Property: Located in Highland County, Virginia, this battlefield is situated in the Allegheny Mountains of the Appalachian Range. The terrain is extremely rugged, characterized by steep, rocky ridges. The CWPT property covers the top of Sitlington Hill, which is part of Bull Pasture Mountatin. The hilltop has a commanding and spectacular view over the town of McDowell just to the west. Some of the acreage is old pasture, while hardwood hemlock covers the rest. The terrain has remained much as it was in 1862. The old Stauton-Parkersburg Turnpike (Rte. 250) borders the property. The Lee-Jackson Foundation has preserved an additional 100 acres of the battlefield. Instructions: The battlefield is very well preserved, but is difficult to access. The property can be seen from public roads, but to walk the battlefield requires a hike. This area is rugged, and even the easiest trails can be steep. The site does have a parking lot and interpretive signs. Sturdy shoes and appropriate preparations should be made for hiking. Relic hunting and off-road vehicles are prohibited. Special use of the land may be allowed, but prior written permission must be obtained from the CWPT Real Estate Department. Directions: From Interstate 81, exit at Stauton, Virginia. Take Route 250 West. This essentially follows the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. Follow 250 for about 30 miles. Once across the crest of Bull Pasture Mountatin you will approach McDowell. On the left you will see a highway marker noting Sitlington Hill. Shortly afterwards there is a parking area by some garbage dumpsters on the right. Park here. A monument erected by the UDC is across the road. This is the northwest corner of our property. The fence line behind the monument forms the western boundary up to the top of Sitlington. There are two ways to get up the hill. You can enter our property in the field just to the left of the UDC marker and work your way uphill as best you can. This will be extremely strenuous, and covers about a half-mile. There is a TV antenna wire running to the top of the hill that can be used for reference. Your goal is the field at the top of the hill where the antenna is located. This was the location of the 12th Georgia. Another option is to walk east on 250 about 3/4 of a mile. Cautiously walk on the left as there is very little shoulder. You will approach a hairpin turn with a small field and barn to the right. Just before the field is a metal gate in the woods. Climb over the gate and follow the old roadbed up the hill. This is the easement following Jackson's route. Follow the pieces of the surveyor tape to the TV antenna. From there you can head down the hill to the right, or retrace your route. Click here to get a map or driving directions. McDowell, VA is your general destination point. For a print friendly brochure, please click here.
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