Port Republic and Cross Keys Battlefields

 This last summer brought me to Maryland on a business trip. I was able to make a few stops along the way. Port Republic, Cross Keys and Harrisonburg, Virginia.

On Weyers Cave Rd heading east from Interstate 81. You can see the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

Map from Civil War Trust website

This area was sparsely wooded at the time of the battle. Most of the trees on this hill were harvested for the making of charcoal. The Union Artillery would have been on this hill facing towards us. General Richard Taylor's Louisiana Brigade would eventually break and drive off the Union defenders on this hill by attacking them from the woods to my right. The position has a private residence now.

Having a snack. decided to eat a slice of lemon at the Port Republic Battlefield for "O'l Blue Light."

The Blue Ridge Mountains represented the eastern border of the Shenandoah River Valley. 

In the Area of the Cross Keys Battlefield. The land is mostly privately owned farm land. I was unable to find and historical markers.

Map from the Civil War Trust Website.

At the end of Turner Ashby Lane off  Neff Ave. in Harrisonburg, Va.

General Turner Ashby's Memorial Marker.

The view from the Confederate right flank looking forward and left towards the Union advance.

Progress waits for no man. I came away from the sights in a somber mood. The visit at Port Republic was very good. The area was well maintained and well worth a stop. The area of the Cross Keys Battlefield was beautiful. There was a small shower that passed through as we drove along the Port Republic Road. This may have hindered my ability to notice any Historical Markers. The small memorial park and monument for Brigadier General Turner Ashby was the visit that really put the experience into prospective. Here was an actual marker that was erected on a spot where a young man gave his life in defense of his country. Its hard to believe in the midst of all the progress and growth of the surrounding town, that a small bit of history happened on that hill 150 years ago.

Situation Report: Jackson Heads to Richmond June 16, 1862

Headquarters,

Near Richmond, Va., June 16, 1862

Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson,

Commanding Valley District:

General: I have received your letter by the Hon. Mr. Boteler. I hope you will be able to recruit and refresh your troops sufficiently for the movement proposed in my letter of the 11^th. You have only acknowledged my letter of the 8^th. I am therefore ignorant whether that of the 11^th has reached you. From your account of the position of the enemy I think it would be difficult for you to engage him in time to unite with this army in the battle for Richmond. Fremont and Shields are apparently retrograding, their troops shaken and disorganized, and some time will be required to set them again in the field. If this is so, the sooner you unite with this army the better. McClellan is being strengthened; Burnside is with him, and some of McDowell’s troops are also reported to have joined him. There is much sickness in his ranks, but his re-enforcements by far exceed his losses. The present, therefore, seems to be favorable for a junction of your army and this. If you agree with me, the sooner you can make arrangements to do so the better. In moving your troops you could let it be understood that it was to pursue the enemy in your front. Dispose those to hold the valley so as to deceive the enemy, keeping your cavalry well in their front, and at the proper time suddenly descending upon the Pamunkey. To be efficacious, the movement must be secret. Let me know the force you can bring, and be careful to guard from friends and foes your purpose and your intention of personally leaving the valley. The country is full of spies, and our plans are immediately carried to the enemy. Please inform me what arrangements you can make for subsisting your troops. Beef-cattle could at least be driven, and if necessary we can subsist on meat alone.

Unless McClellan can be driven out of his intrenchments he will move by positions under cover of his heavy guns within shelling distance of Richmond. I know of no surer way of thwarting him than that proposed. I should like to have the advantage of your views and be able to confer with you. Will meet you at some point on your approach to the Chickahominy. I inclose a copy of my letter of the 11^th, lest the original should not have reached you.

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. Lee

General