Battle of Smithfield Crossing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Smithfield Crossing |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of American Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 Confederate States (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Wesley Merritt | Jubal Early | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Divisions | Divisions | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| unknown | unknown | ||||||
| 300 | |||||||
The Battle of Smithfield Crossing was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It took place from August 25 to August 29, 1864. The battle happened in Jefferson and Berkeley counties in West Virginia. This battle was part of a larger series of fights in the Shenandoah Valley.
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What Happened at Smithfield Crossing?
On August 29, 1864, soldiers from the Confederate Army made a move. Two large groups of their foot soldiers, called infantry divisions, crossed a stream named Opequon Creek. They crossed at a spot known as Smithfield Crossing.
These Confederate troops were led by General Jubal Early. They pushed back a group of Union cavalry, who were soldiers on horseback. This Union group was led by General Wesley Merritt.
The Union Fights Back
Even though the Confederates pushed them back, the Union soldiers didn't give up. Another group of Union infantry, led by a general named Ricketts, launched a counterattack. This means they attacked back to stop the Confederate advance.
The Union counterattack worked. It stopped the Confederate soldiers from moving forward any more. After this, the Confederate troops were not ordered to try another attack.
The Battle's Outcome
In the end, the Battle of Smithfield Crossing was considered inconclusive. This means neither side truly won. It was a bit of a tie. The Confederates couldn't advance further, but the Union didn't completely defeat them either.
This battle was also special because it was the very last fight of the Civil War to happen in West Virginia.
Why Smithfield Crossing Matters
The Battle of Smithfield Crossing is ranked among the top 3 percent of all the more than 16,000 recorded fights in the Civil War. This shows it was an important event, even if it was a smaller battle.
Remembering the Battle
Local groups work to keep the history of this battle alive. For example, the Middleway Conservancy Organization helps people learn about it. In August 2014, they marked the 150th anniversary of the battle.
To help the community understand more, the Conservancy often holds special events. These can include "living history" events where people dress up in old uniforms. They also sometimes have reenactments, which are like plays that show what the battle was like. These events help everyone, especially young people, connect with history.
