Third Winchester
Opequon
19 September 1864

General Description: This 222 acre property, marked by gentle, rolling hills and woods, is one of the few remaining vestiges of the battlefield. The funds to purchase the option on the property was made possible in 1995 by proceeds from the Civil War commemorative coins. The remaining cost will be paid off by 2005.

During the battle, heavy fighting occurred on the site, as John B. Gordon's Confederates drove a wedge between the Federal XIX and VI Corps, temporarily stymieing the Union advance. Future plans call for historical interpretation.

Civil War History: The Battle of Third Winchester, also called Opequon, was the bloodiest of all the battles fought in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War.

In early August 1864, Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, commander of all Union armies, appointed Major General Philip Sheridan to take over the Middle Military Division, lead his army into the Shenandoah Valley, and defeat Lieutenant General Jubal Early's Confederate force. Grant also directed Sheridan to destroy the Shenandoah Valley as a source of food for the Confederacy.

Sheridan waited until mid-September, then made his move. Early, who had unwisely advanced north and east of Winchester, was outnumbered nearly 3 to 1. On the morning of September 19, 1864, Sheridan sent his infantry west towards Winchester, while federal cavalry held Early's attention north of the town. The Federal advance along the Berryville Pike was slow, giving Early enough time to reassemble his forces closer to Winchester.

Early's army of 14,000 fought well and stubbornly, but eventually, the overwhelming Federal numbers made the difference. At one point, a stunning counter-attack by Major Generals John B. Gordon's and Robert Rodes's divisions, aimed at the weak link between the Federal VI and XIX Corps, threatened to turn Union victory into disaster. But Federal reinforcements eventually patched the line, and once all of Sherican's 35,000 men were in position, the result was inevitable. The Federals rolled up the Confederate line and drove Early's force through the streets of Winchester.

Early's army lost 4,000 men at Third Winchester, while Sheridan suffered over 5,000 casualties. The Federal victory at Third Winchester effectively sealed the Confederacy's fate in the Valley. Although Early would strike again, exactly one month later at Cedar Creek, Early's depleted army could do little to stop Sheridan. The writing was on the wall.

The Property: This land, originally slated for low-density housing, retains an extremely high level integrity. Gordon's division drove through part of this property and Federal counter-attacks moved across this ground shortly thereafter. Gentle, rolling hills and woodlots are a feature of this site, and except for the proximity of Interstate 81, one can well imagine the events of September 19, 1864. It is one of the very few pieces of the Third Winchester battlefield that still remains.

Instructions: If you plan on walking the battlefield please remember to wear sturdy shoes, as you will be hiking through fields and woods. There is a paved parking area at the site, as well as trails. As of yet, there is no interpretation. There will be a lane to the right of the parking area which belongs to Hackwood, a late 18th century home which is privately owned. There is a gate with two stone dogs at the entrance. Please do not go down the lane as it is private property.

An interpretive trail enables access to the bridge over Redbud Run and to the heart of the battlefield. To get to the trail and to the bridge, enter the property at the gate to the left of the CWPT sign. Walk along the wood line. You will ascend a hill on the perimeter of a large field. You will eventually come upon a small sign indicating the head of the trail. The trail will take you to the bridge over Redbud Run and to the interior parts of the battlefield. When you are ready to return to your car, simple retrace your path to the parking area. When you are finished touring the site, please remember to close the gate and latch the chain before you leave.

Directions: From I-81 South: Take Route 11 Exit (1st of 3 Winchester exits), you will see a Ramada and Denny's to your right as you drive down the exit ramp. Take a left off the ramp onto Route 11. The first road to your right will be Redbud Road. Turn right onto Redbud Road and follow it approximately 1 mile to the CWPT site, which will be on your right. You will see alarge CWPT site sign designating the Third Winchester Battlefield.

Click here to get a map or driving directions. Be sure and put Redbud Road in Winchester, Virginia as your primary destination.

For a print friendly brochure, please click here.
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