Battle of Strasburg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Strasburg
Part of American Civil War
Date August 17, 1864 (1864-08-17) Location Strasburg, Virginia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Colonel Penrose	Jubal A. Early
Units involved
4th New Jersey Infantry 10th New Jersey Infantry 15th New Jersey Infantry 1st Connecticut Cavalry 3rd New Jersey Cavalry	three Confederate divisions
Strength
1,200	8,000-9,000
Casualties and losses
20 killed 80 wounded 250 Captured	20 killed and wounded?

The Battle of Strasburg was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened in Strasburg, Virginia, on August 17, 1864. In this battle, a small group of Union soldiers from New Jersey bravely held back a much larger Confederate force. This delay was crucial for the Union army.

What Was the Battle of Strasburg?

The Battle of Strasburg was a minor but strategic clash. It took place in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. This valley was very important during the Civil War. Both sides wanted to control it.

The battle involved a small Union force. They were mostly infantry, which means foot soldiers. They faced three large Confederate groups called divisions. A division is a very big military unit.

Who Fought in This Battle?

The Union side was led by Colonel Penrose. His troops were mainly from New Jersey. They included the 4th, 10th, and 15th New Jersey Infantry regiments. They also had cavalry, which are soldiers who fight on horseback. These were the 1st Connecticut Cavalry and the 3rd New Jersey Cavalry. The 6th Vermont Infantry also fought with them.

The Confederate forces were much larger. They were led by General Jubal A. Early. His army had between 8,000 and 9,000 soldiers. Colonel Penrose had only about 1,200 men. This meant the Confederates outnumbered the Union soldiers by a lot.

Why Was Strasburg Important?

Strasburg, Virginia, was a key location. It was in the Shenandoah Valley. This valley was like a highway for armies. It allowed them to move quickly. It also had lots of food and supplies.

General Early's Confederate army was moving through the valley. They were trying to threaten Washington, D.C. The Union army needed to stop them. Delaying Early's army was very important. It gave the main Union forces time to get ready.

What Happened During the Battle?

On August 17, 1864, Colonel Penrose's small Union force took up positions near Strasburg. They knew General Early's large army was coming. Their goal was not to win a big victory. Instead, they needed to slow the Confederates down.

The Union soldiers fought hard. They used the land to their advantage. Even though they were outnumbered, they made the Confederates fight for every inch of ground. This slowed down General Early's advance.

What Was the Outcome?

The Battle of Strasburg was a Union victory. This might seem strange because the Union force was so small. However, they achieved their main goal. They successfully delayed General Early's army.

The Union suffered some losses. About 20 soldiers were killed, and 80 were wounded. Around 250 Union soldiers were captured by the Confederates. The Confederate losses were much smaller, with about 20 killed or wounded.

Why Was This Delay Important?

The delay caused by the Battle of Strasburg was very important. It gave the main Union army, led by General Philip Sheridan, time. Sheridan was able to prepare his forces. He could set up defenses and plan his next moves.

This small battle helped the Union in the larger Shenandoah Valley Campaigns of 1864. These campaigns were a series of battles. They aimed to stop the Confederates from using the valley. The Battle of Strasburg played a small but vital part in these bigger plans. It showed that even a small force could make a big difference.