Battle of Cross Keys - Definition

The Battle of Cross Keys took place on June 8, 1862 in Rockingham County, Virginia as part of Confederate Army General Thomas J. Jackson's Campaign through Shenandoah Valley, Virginia during the American Civil War.

Moving up the Shenandoah Valley in pursuit of Jackson's army, Maj. Gen. John C. Frémont's army encountered Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell’s division at Cross Keys on June 8. Brig. Gen. Julius Stahel's brigade, attacking on the Union left, was stunned by a surprise volley from Trimble's command and driven back in confusion. After feeling out other parts of the Confederate line, Frémont withdrew to the Keezletown Road under protection of his batteries. The next day, Trimble's and Patton’s brigades held Frémont at bay, while the rest of Ewell's force crossed the river to assist in the defeat of Brig. Gen. E. Tyler's command at Port Republic.

References

• CWSAC Battle Summaries, National Park Service (http://www2.cr.nps.gov/abpp/battles/bycampgn.htm)