Insider’s Guide to the 160th Commemoration of the Battle of Cedar Mountain

July 18, 2022 Places to Stay Things to Do Updates Share

2022 marks the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Mountain. Here is what you need to know about the battle and the commemorative events you can find in Culpeper this year.

1.) What happened at 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.

*Source: Friends of Cedar Mountain

2.) What commemorative events will be held this year?

JULY 28-30, 2022 – HISTORY SEMINAR – Meet, greet and learn from five guest speakers that will discuss an array of topics including specific infantry regiment’s involved, Civil War portrait photographs in popular culture, medical care in 1862 and more. This seminar also includes several guided tours.

AUGUST 6-7, 2022 – Battle Reenactments/Living History – Visitors of all ages can see two major battle reenactments. Participate in and experience guided battlefield tours, artillery demonstrations, military encampments and hands on history tents, where children can explore wartime artifacts. Sunday’s Memorial Ceremony presented by Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield (FCMB), recognizes the fallen at Cedar Mountain whose names have been submitted to the FCMB Ancestors Roll by their descendants.