Beginning of the End

Cedar Creek Battle Map

A highlight of the Visitor Center exhibits is an 18-minute lighted, three-dimensional battle map that illustrates the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864.

"The Battle of Cedar Creek" painting by Julian Scott, 1872

Courtesy of the Vermont State Curator’s Office

The Union victory at Cedar Creek had substantial military and political impacts.

“There burst upon our view the appalling spectacle of a panic-stricken army— hundreds of slightly wounded men, throngs of others… utterly demoralized, …all pressing to the rear in hopeless confusion, telling only too plainly that a disaster had occered at the front.”

U.S. Gen. Philip Sheridan, 1864

The Beginning of the End

A series of battles fought in eastern Virginia during May and June 1864 resulted in massive Union casualties and stalemate before Richmond and Petersburg. With much of the North frustrated with Grant’s war efforts, Abraham Lincoln’s reelection prospects looked grim. Only after successes at Cedar Creek and in Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign did the situation improve.

Victory from the Jaws of Defeat

Cedar Creek was a turning point of the war. An extremely daring pre-dawn surprise Confederate attack routed the Union army. Feeling he had achieved a spectacular victory, General Early called a halt to reorganize around 10:30 a.m. Meanwhile, General Sheridan, riding from Winchester, was completely unaware of the disaster. Upon hearing the growing sounds of battle, however, he quickened his pace and rode hard to the field. Rallying his defeated forces, he then ordered a counterattack at 4:00 p.m. which swept the Confederates from the field. Sheridan’s timely arrival and charismatic leadership completely reversed the tide of battle.The Union victory ended further Confederate military resistance in the Valley. Combined with the capture in Atlanta, the Battle of Cedar Creek reignited optimism in the North and paved the way for Lincoln’s reelection three weeks later.