Battle of Piedmont

Dates: June 5-6, 1864

Other Names: None

Location: Piedmont, Virginia

Key Individuals Involved in the Battle of Piedmont: Union: Major General David Hunter
Confederate: Brigadier General William E. Jones

Outcome: UnionVictory. 2,375 casualties of which 1,500 were Confederate soldiers.

Overview of the Battle : After replacing Sigel in command of Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley, Maj. Gen. David “Black Dave” Hunter renewed the Union offensive. On June 5, Hunter engaged the Confederate army under “Grumble” Jones north of Piedmont. After severe fighting, a flanking movement made by Thoburn’s brigade turned Jones’s right flank. While trying to stem the retreat of his soldiers, Jones was killed. The retreat became a rout. More than 1,000 Confederates, including 60 officers, were captured. Jones lost three guns. Hunter occupied Staunton on June 6 and, after a pause to await the arrival of Brig. Gen. George Crook’s column, began to advance on Lynchburg, destroying military stores and public property in his wake.
Source: CWSAC Battle Summaries