Battle of Thoroughfare Gap

Other Names: Chapman's Mill

Location: Fauquier County and Prince William County, Virginia

Campaign: Northern Virginia Campaign (June-September 1862)

Date: August 28, 1862

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. James Ricketts [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet [CS]

Forces Engaged: 5,000 [US]; 28,000 [CS]

Casualties and losses: 100 total

Result(s): Confederate victory

Brief Description:

After skirmishing near Chapman's Mill in Thoroughfare Gap, Brig. Gen. James Ricketts's Union division was flanked by a Confederate column passing through Hopewell Gap several miles to the north and by troops securing the high ground at Thoroughfare Gap. Ricketts retired, and Longstreet's wing of the army marched through the gap to join Jackson. This seemingly inconsequential action virtually ensured Pope's defeat during the battles of Aug. 29-30 because it allowed the two wings of Lee's army to unite on the Manassas battlefield. Ricketts withdrew via Gainesville to Manassas Junction.