Battle of Smithfield Crossing

The Battle of Smithfield Crossing was a small battle during the American Civil War fought August 25 through August 29, 1864, in Jefferson and Berkeley counties in West Virginia.[1]

Battle of Smithfield Crossing
Part of American Civil War
DateAugust 25, 1864 (1864-08-25)–August 29, 1864 (1864-08-29)
Location
Jefferson County, West Virginia and Berkeley County, West Virginia
Result

Inconclusive

  • Tactical stalemate; Confederate advance permanently halted
Belligerents
United States (Union) Confederate States (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Wesley Merritt Jubal Early
Strength
Divisions Divisions
Casualties and losses
unknown unknown
300

Battle
Map of Smithfield Crossing Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

On August 29, two Confederate infantry divisions under Lieutenant General Jubal Early crossed Opequon Creek at Smithfield Crossing and forced back Wesley Merritt's Union cavalry division. However, a counterattack from Ricketts' infantry division stopped the Confederate advance. Rebel troops were never ordered to attempt another advance, and ultimately the results were inconclusive.[1] It was the last engagement of the war to take place in West Virginia.

Preservation

The battle, ranks in the top 3 percent of the more than 16,000 recorded armed encounters in the Civil War. The Middleway Conservancy Organization, commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Smithfield Crossing in August 2014. To expand the community's knowledge and interest in this battle, the Conservancy hosts a living history event and reenactment of the battle.[2]

Notes
  1. "Battle Summary". National Park Service. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
  2. "Smithfield Battle". Middleway Conservancy Organization. Retrieved 26 August 2017.


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