Friday December 6 was John Singleton Mosby’s birthday. Known as the Gray Ghost, he is a popular figure in Northern Virginia Civil War history, remembered especially for Mosby’s Raiders guerrilla tactics against Union forces. After General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House, rather than surrender his command he disbanded the 43rd Battalion, Virginia Cavalry near Marshall and sent the troopers home.
Thinking of driving out Route 29 to enjoy the fall color on Skyline Drive this weekend? Consider this picture instead: It’s Saturday afternoon, October 19, 1863. As you travel west from Gainesville to Warrenton on the road, known then as the Warrenton Turnpike, a frantic Union Cavalry regiment is racing toward you. Behind them Confederate Cavalry in hot pursuit is closing in, guns blazing. A couple of minutes ago, passing through the Vint Hill Road intersection, you didn’t notice a second Confederate regiment moving into position to block the Union retreat.
161st Anniversary of the Battle of Buckland MillsRead More »