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The Battle of Cedar Mountain

On the blazing hot afternoon of August 9, 1862 a few miles south of Culpeper, Virginia, Confederate Major General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson led his troops into battle against Union Major General Nathaniel Banks’ corps of the Army of Virginia. The five hour fight saw four Federal brigades surge across corn and wheat fields against three Confederate divisions formed along the road, fence lines, and in the woods.

Culpeper’s native son, Major General A. P. Hill, sealed the Confederate victory when his division re-formed Jackson’s crumbled line and led the charge that turned the tide of the battle. For Hill and the other Culpeper men engaged, this was a personal battle to liberate their homes, friends, and family from the Union occupation.

3,800 men were killed or wounded in the shadow of Cedar Mountain by the end of the day — the deadliest day in Culpeper’s history.

Through historic preservation and education efforts, Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield is working to ensure that this battle and the valor displayed by both armies will never be forgotten.

Please consider a donation in support of our preservation and education efforts. Your donation is tax deductible.
 

Membership and Ancestor Recognition

MEMBERSHIP

Sign up for 1-year membership online via PayPal

Or download & print PDF form to mail:

Friends of Cedar Mountain membership form 

ANCESTOR RECOGNITION

Submit ancestor information via ONLINE FORM

Or download & print PDF form to mail:

Ancestor recognition application

 

 

Monthly guided tours

Next tour: July 9, 10 am

Enjoy a two-hour guided walking tour of the battlefield where on August 9, 1862 Confederate troops led by General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson prevailed over Federal troops led by General Nathaniel Banks at a cost of 3800 men killed or wounded. A donation is appreciated to help support battlefield education and stewardship efforts.

Parking is at 9465 General Winder Road, Rapidan, VA 22733.

history seminar - July 28-30, 2022

Join Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield for a history seminar in Culpeper, Virginia, July 28-30, 2022 to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the August 9, 1862 battle.

A series of speakers will give battle-related presentations on Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. Friday evening will feature a keynote presentation. Morning presentations on Friday and Saturday will be followed by afternoon guided tours.  On Friday, July 29, the afternoon walking tour will explore historic downtown Culpeper. On Saturday, July 30, the afternoon tour will be at Cedar Mountain Battlefield. Please visit the SEMINAR EVENT PAGE for additional details.

Mark your calendar for the 160th anniversary of the battle - August 6 & 7, 2022

2022 marks the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Mountain! If you have attended one of our recent annual commemorations, expect even more! This year you'll enjoy a living history experience for all ages PLUS two battle scenarios. Check our event page or watch our Facebook page; we'll be sharing event information as it becomes available.

Infantry reenactors are welcome to register for participation in the event. Cavalry, artillery and civilians representation is by invitation only. Our information page for reenactors can be found at https://friendsofcedarmountain.org/2022-event-participant-info/

VISITing the battlefield on your own

BATTLEFIELD MAP

The battlefield is open from dawn to dusk. Please follow current Virginia COVID-19 precautionary guidelines, such as physical distancing from other visitors, while enjoying the trails. Please see the page Visit Cedar Mountain for additional information for visitors. Thanks for your interest!