Battle of Good's Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Good's Farm |
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| Part of Jackson's Valley Campaign, American Civil War | |||||||
 The death of Ashby during the battle |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
 Confederacy |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| - | Turner Ashby† | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
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1st New Jersey Cavalry 13th Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry |
Rear Guard of Jackson's Army (Steuart's Brigade) 44th Virginia Infantry; 58th Virginia Infantry; 1st Maryland Infantry, CSA; one Louisiana infantry regiment |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| unknown | unknown | ||||||
The Battle of Good's Farm was a short but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on June 6, 1862, near Harrisonburg, Virginia. This battle was part of Jackson's famous Jackson's Valley Campaign. A key moment was the death of a brave Confederate leader, Turner Ashby.
What Happened at Good's Farm?
The Fight Begins
During the American Civil War, General Stonewall Jackson's army was moving away from a larger Union force. They were going from Harrisonburg toward Port Republic. Colonel Turner Ashby was in charge of the rear guard. This group protected the main army from attacks from behind.
On June 6, 1862, Union soldiers attacked Ashby's position. The 1st New Jersey Cavalry charged at the Confederates at Good's Farm. Colonel Ashby and his men fought them off.
The Death of Turner Ashby
After the cavalry attack, Union infantry soldiers joined the fight. During this part of the battle, Ashby's horse was shot. He then continued to fight on foot. Sadly, he was shot through the heart just a few steps later. He died instantly.
No one knows for sure who fired the shot that killed him. Soldiers from the 13th Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry, also known as the "Bucktails," said they did it. However, some stories suggest it might have been friendly fire from his own side. Ashby's last words were "Forward my brave men!" He had been chosen for a promotion to brigadier general only ten days before he died.
Images for kids
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Monument at the site of Ashby's death
