Battle of Summit Point facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Summit Point
Part of the American Civil War
Date August 21, 1864 (1864-08-21) Location Summit Point, West Virginia Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Philip Sheridan	Richard H. Anderson Jubal A. Early
Units involved
VI Corps
Strength
Divisions	Divisions
Casualties and losses
1,000

The Battle of Summit Point was a fight during the American Civil War. It happened on August 21, 1864, near a place called Summit Point, West Virginia. This battle is also known as Flowing Springs or Cameron's Depot.

This battle was part of a bigger plan by the Union called the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. This campaign lasted from August to December 1864. The Union forces were led by Philip Sheridan, a high-ranking general.

What Happened at Summit Point?

On August 21, 1864, the Union army was gathering near Charles Town. Two Confederate generals, Jubal A. Early and Richard H. Anderson, decided to attack. They planned to attack the Union forces from different directions at the same time. This is called using "converging columns."

The Attack on Union Forces

General Anderson's troops moved north and attacked the Union's cavalry (soldiers on horseback) at Summit Point. The Union soldiers fought bravely. They managed to slow down the Confederate attack. This is called a "delaying action." It means they fought just enough to give their main army time to move to a safer place.

Moving to Safety

After slowing down the Confederates, the Union forces slowly pulled back. They moved to an area near Halltown the next day. The battle didn't have a clear winner, which is why it's called "inconclusive." About 1,000 soldiers were hurt or killed in this battle.

Saving the Battlefield

Today, parts of the Summit Point battlefield are being protected. The Civil War Trust (which is now part of the American Battlefield Trust) works to save these important historical places. They and their partners have bought and preserved about 455 acres (1.8 square kilometers) of the land where the battle took place. This helps us remember what happened there.

Images for kids

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  Map of Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.