On this tour we followed Sheridan's pursuit of Early's army after Second Kernstown and the burning of Chambersburg. Grant had consolidated four departments into one under Phil Sheridan and sent him to defeat Jubal Early.
We called this part of the long struggle for control of the Shenandoah Valley "the Yoyo War" as both armies moved up and down the valley in late summer 1864. Neither side had an accurate idea of the size of the other one's army.
After Second Kernstown, Hunter had retreated to Maryland. Sheridan was brought in and made his base at Harpers Ferry and nearby Halltown (WV). When Sheridan moved to Cedar Creek (near Strasburg, VA), Early moved south to Cedar Creek. When Lee sent two divisions to strengthen Early, Sheridan moved back to Halltown. Early returned to Bunker Hill. During this phase several skirmishes took place. Sheridan moved south again. Learning that some Confederate forces had left for Petersburg, Sheridan prepares to attack.
The armies met near Opequon Creek on September 19. The fighting continued all day and ended in the town of Winchester. The battle is known both as the Battle of Opequon and Third Winchester. It marked the beginning of the end for Early's army.
Previous: Battle of Second Kernstown
Introduction: Into the Shenandoah 1864
Later: Fisher's Hill - Cedar Creek
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