Battle of Piedmont

Other Names: Piedmont

Location: Augusta County, Virginia

Campaign: Lynchburg Campaign (May-June 1864)

Date: June 5-6, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. David Hunter [US]; Brig. Gen. William E. Jones [CS]

Forces Engaged: 14,000 total (US 8,500; CS 5,500)

Casualties and losses: 2,375 total (US 875; CS 1500)

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

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. Hunter's army rounded up the prisoners and tended to the wounded at Piedmont, where the Army of the Shenandoah camped for the night, having lost nearly 900 men killed and wounded. The next day, it became the first Union army to enter Staunton.