Battle of Smithfield Crossing

Battle of Smithfield Crossing
Part of American Civil War
Date August 25, 1864–August 29, 1864 Location Jefferson County, West Virginia and Berkeley County, West Virginia Result Inconclusive Tactical stalemate; Confederate advance permanently halted
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Wesley Merritt	Jubal Early
Strength
Divisions	Divisions
Casualties and losses
unknown	unknown
300

The Battle of Smithfield Crossing was a small battle during the American Civil War fought August 25 through August 29, 1864, in Jefferson and Berkeley counties in West Virginia.^[1]

Battle

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

On August 29, two Confederate infantry divisions under Lieutenant General Jubal Early crossed Opequon Creek at Smithfield Crossing and forced back Wesley Merritt's Union cavalry division. However, a counterattack from Ricketts' infantry division stopped the Confederate advance. Rebel troops were never ordered to attempt another advance, and ultimately the results were inconclusive.^[1] It was the last engagement of the war to take place in West Virginia.

Preservation

The battle, ranks in the top 3 percent of the more than 16,000 recorded armed encounters in the Civil War. The Middleway Conservancy Organization, commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Smithfield Crossing in August 2014. To expand the community's knowledge and interest in this battle, the Conservancy hosts a living history event and reenactment of the battle.^[2]

External links

• American Battlefield Protection Program description
• A brief description of the Confederacy pushing back Union troops is found in the commanding officer of the Fifth Louisiana Regiment's diary entry on August 29, 1864.
• CWSAC Report Update and Resurvey: Individual Battlefield Profiles

Notes