 The Shenandoah Valley at War: The Center of the Struggle
The plush Shenandoah Valley hosted critical battles that largely directed the course of the Civil War and ultimately impacted the outcome. The very layout of the valley endangered Washington, D.C., and consequently posed a constant threat to the North.
General Thomas Jonathon “Stonewall” Jackson lived in and understood the valley. He defended the region against converging Northern armies and seized the initiative time and again to thwart the Federals, keeping them weak and divided. In 1862, Jackson scored an impressive string of victories that compelled President Lincoln to direct forces from Richmond to deal with Jackson. He eluded their trap, defeated the Union at Cross Keys and Port Republic, and gained international notoriety. His campaign became a template for modern offensive mobile warfare.
The Civil War returned to the Shenandoah Valley with a vengeance in 1864 when General Grant recognized it as a key to victory. With the Army of the Potomac entrenched outside of Petersburg, U.S. victories under General Sheridan brought renewed commitment to the war effort and contributed to Lincoln’s re-election. The Confederacy had lost its last best hope for independence.
Historian Guide Frank O’Reilly, who has written extensively on the Civil War in Virginia, will unravel the mysteries and strategies of the Valley Campaign as he takes us on this memorable learning vacation.
TOUR INCLUDES
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
- Historian Guide: Frank O’Reilly
- Services of a professional tour director
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation
- All admissions to included features
- Seven nights hotel accommodations
- Six breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners
- Welcome briefing
- All taxes, baggage handling, & gratuities on included features
- Suggested reading list
COST:
Per person double occupancy - $2,695
Per person single occupancy - $2,995
Click to request a 2009 printed Travel Guide.
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ITINERARY
Sunday, June 7
Gathering day at the Embassy Suites Dulles Airport for a briefing and welcome dinner hosted by Frank O’Reilly and HistoryAmerica TOURS.
Monday, June 8
Tour the battlefields of Kernstown this morning, where Stonewall Jackson suffered his only defeat and where Jubal Early’s rebel forces defeated George Crook. At Front Royal learn of the capture of a Union garrison in May 1862 by Jackson’s troops. Continue on to Winchester, site of three major battles, two of which were Confederate routs and one where General Phil Sheridan defeated Jubal Early. You will spend the next two nights in Winchester.
Tuesday, June 9
Spend today in the heart of the 1864 Valley Campaign: the Confederate defenses at Fisher’s Hill, the “Woodstock Races” cavalry battle at Tom’s Brook, and Jubal Early’s victory-turned-tragedy at Cedar Creek.
Wednesday, June 10
You will start the day with a visit to Stonewall Jackson’s headquarters before you tavel south (“Up the Valley”). Tour Meem’s Bottom and Rude’s Hill, critical chokepoints that became vital to both armies. You will visit the George Summers-Isaac Koontz monument, site of a sad military execution in 1865. At the New Market Battlefield, see where Confederates stopped Union advances with the help of unblooded VMI Cadets. You will overnight in Harrisonburg for two nights.
Thursday, June 11
Today you will examine the climax of Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 Valley Campaign with visits to Cross Keys and Port Republic, bloodiest of that year’s struggles. Spend the rest of the day in Lexington, home of Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute, and the final resting place of Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee.
Friday, June 12
On this final day you will visit Jackson’s first and most remote victory of the campaign. Tour the McDowell Battlefield and climb to the crest of Sitlington’s Hill. Lunch will be at the Buckhorn Inn, where Jackson spent part of his honeymoon in better days before the war. You will return to the Embassy Suites Dulles for the farewell dinner and final night.
Saturday, June 13
Depart at your leisure after breakfast.
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