Lacey Spring, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lacey Spring
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 Lacey Spring
Location in Virginia
Lacey Spring
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Rockingham County |
| ZIP code |
22833
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Lacey Spring is a small place in Rockingham County, Virginia. It is an unincorporated community, which means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government.
You can find Lacey Spring south of Timberville. It's also just south of Mauzy, right along Route 11. This road runs next to Interstate 81.
A Glimpse into Lacey Spring's Past
Lacey Spring has a special place in American history. Two markers in the area tell the story of a cavalry fight during the U.S. Civil War. This battle happened a long time ago, in 1864.
The Civil War Skirmish
On December 21, 1864, a part of the Union army was in Lacey Spring. This group was the 3rd Cavalry Division, led by Colonel George Armstrong Custer. They were suddenly attacked by Confederate soldiers. These soldiers were part of Major General Thomas L. Rosser’s Laurel Brigade.
The attack was strong, and Colonel Custer's troops had to retreat north. During the fight, General Rosser's soldiers captured about 40 of Custer's men. They also took some horses and army supplies.
Friends on Opposite Sides
What makes this event even more interesting is the connection between the two leaders. Colonel Custer and General Rosser were actually friends. They had both attended West Point, which is a famous military school. They were in the same class in 1861 and might have even been roommates for a short time.
However, their paths split when the Civil War began. Rosser decided to join the Confederacy. He left West Point in May 1861, just two weeks before he was supposed to graduate. Custer, on the other hand, stayed with the Union army. This skirmish at Lacey Spring shows how the war could put even good friends on opposite sides of a battle.
