Battle of Cross Keys

Other Names: None

Location: Rockingham County, Virginia

Campaign: Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign (March-June 1862)

Date: June 8, 1862

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. John C. Fremont [US]; Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell [CS]

Forces Engaged: 17,300 total (US 11,500; CS 5,800)

Casualties and losses: 951 total (US 664; CS 287)

Result(s): Confederate victory

Brief Description:

Moving up the Shenandoah Valley in pursuit of Jackson's army, Maj. Gen. John C. Fremont's army encountered Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell's division at Cross Keys on June 8. Brig. Gen. Julius Stahel's brigade, attacking on the Union left, was stunned by a surprise volley from Trimble's command and driven back in confusion. After feeling out other parts of the Confederate line, Fremont withdrew to the Keezletown Road under protection of his batteries. The next day, Trimble's and Patton's brigades held Fremont at bay, while the rest of Ewell's force crossed the river to assist in the defeat of Brig. Gen. E. Tyler's command at Port Republic.