Battle of Fisher’s Hill

Dates:

September 21-22, 1864

Other Names:

None

Location:

Fisher’s Hill, Virginia

Key Individuals Involved in the Battle of Fisher’s Hill:

Union: Major General Philip Sheridan
Confederate: Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early

Outcome:

Union Victory. 1,763 casualties of which 1,235 were Confederate soldiers.

Overview of the Battle :

Early’s army, bloodied by its defeat at Opequon (Third Winchester) on September 19, took up a strong defensive position at Fisher’s Hill, south of Strasburg. On September 21, the Union army advanced, driving back the skirmishers and capturing important high ground. On the 22nd, Crook’s Corps moved along North Mountain to outflank Early and attacked about 4 pm. The Confederate cavalry offered little resistance, and the startled infantry were unable to face the attacking force. The Confederate defense collapsed from west to east as Sheridan’s other corps join in the assault. Early retreated to Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, opening the Valley to a Union “scorched earth” invasion. Mills and barns from Staunton to Strasburg were burned in what became known as the “Burning” or “Red October.”
Source: CWSAC Battle Summaries