Cedar Creek Crossing

Remains of the limestone bridge abutment on the south side of the Cedar Creek crossing

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Frederick County, Virginia

Significance:

Part of Cedar Creek & Belle Grove NHP

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

The Valley Turnpike was the main transportation route through the Shenandoah Valley in the early 1800s. Both the US and Confederate armies used the Valley Turnpike during the Civil War. A bridge crossed Cedar Creek south of Middletown, a contested area. The armies fought for control in 1862 and 1864. Many times, the bridge was burned and rebuilt.

In the early morning hours of October 19, 1864, Confederate Gen. Jubal Early, Gen. Gabriel Wharton’s 1,200-man division, and the 32 cannon of Early’s Army of the Valley, crossed the bridge at Cedar Creek marching to the battlefield. The Battle of Cedar Creek was already underway as Early arrived. By late morning it seemed the Confederates had won a victory. US Gen. Philip Sheridan arrived on the battlefield at 10:30 a.m. Sheridan organized his retreating army. At 4:00 p.m., The Federals counterattacked and won the day. The bridge crossing over Cedar Creek became a choke point for Early’s retreating forces.

Only the 2 bridge abutments and a small section of the original Valley Pike remain at the Historic Crossing Site. The National Park Service is restoring the property. It is not yet open to visitors.