HRAB 11-20-01 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
MEMORANDUM
TO: Historic Resources Advisory Board
FROM: Rebecca Ragsdale, Planner I
RE: November Meeting Agenda
DATE: November 14, 2001
540/665-5651
FAX: 540/665-6395
The Frederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) will be meeting on Tuesday,
November 20, 2001 at 7:30 p.m., in the first floor conference room of the Frederick County
Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. The HRAB will discuss the
following items:
AGENDA
1. Review of a request by Charles E. Maddox, Jr., P.E. of Gilbert W. Clifford & Associates
to rezone 7.45 acres from the RA (Rural Areas) District to the B3 (Industrial Transition)
District. The property is located north of Winchester at the corner of Route 11 and
Stephenson Road (Route 664).
2. Other.
Please contact this office if you will not be able to attend this meeting. Thank you.
Access to this building is limited during the evening hours. Therefore, it will he necessary to enter the
building through the rear door of the four-story wing. I would encourage committee members to park
in the county parking lot located behind the new addition or in the Joint Judicial Center parking lot
and follow the sidewalk to the back door of the four-story wing.
107 North tient Street • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
Item # 1
Rezoning
APAC-Virginia &
L.F. Franklin & Sons., Inc,
Request and Location
Mr. Chuck Maddox of G. W. Clifford & Associates has requested on behalf of APAC and L. F.
Franklin & Sons that the Historic Resources Advisory Board comment on a rezoning application.
The property is located in the Stephenson area at the intersection of Route 11 and Stephenson Road.
The applicant is requesting that 7.45 acres of the property be rezoned from RA to B3. APAC already
has a construction company and yard on the property. This type of use is not permitted in the RA
Zoning District. The business is allowed as a legally non -conforming use. As such, APAC can only
expand up to 50% of the total floor area of the original nonconforming structure. APAC has reached
this limit but would like to make some office and parking improvements. In order for APAC make
any further improvements, a rezoning is necessary. If the property is rezoned to B3, the construction
offices and yard would be a permitted use. APAC would not be restricted by the 50% non-
conforming use section of the Zoning Ordinance.
The applicant has proffered to restrict certain uses that would otherwise be allowed uses in the B3
Zoning District:
• Local and suburban transit and interurban highway passenger transportation
• Motor freight transportation and warehousing
• Transportation by air
• Laundry, dry-cleaning and garment services
• Drive-in motion pictures
Historical Significance
The site is located within the study area of the Opequon/Third Battle of Winchester and adjacent to
the core area of the Second Battle of Winchester. There are no significant historic structures the
subject property. Mr. Maddox has identified some adjacent properties that were surveyed as part of
the RLS but they are not eligible for the State or National Register.
U:\C0MMITTEES\HRABWgendas12001 Agendas\Nov20,2001.wpd
Included in this agenda:
1. Vicinity Maps
2. Rezoning Application and Proffers
3. Plat
4. Map showing properties identified by RLS
5. NPS Study of Civil War Sites in the Shenandoah Valley- maps and descriptions of the
Battles of Second and Third Winchester
UACONMT'rEE.S0RAB\Agendas\2001 Agendas\Nov20,2001.wpd
gilbert w. e ifford & associates, ine
INCORPORATED 1972
Engineers Land Planners — Water Quality
30 October 2001
Ms. Rebecca Ragsdale
Frederick County Planning
107 N. Kent Street
Winchester, Virginia 22601
RE: APAC — Virginia Rezoning
Dear Ms. Ragsdale,
Board of Directors:
President:
Thomas I O'Toole, RE_
Vice Presidents:
Charles E. Maddox, Jr., P.E.
Earl R. Sutherland, P.E.
Ronald A. Mislowsky, P.E.
David J. Saunders, P.E.
Directors:
William L. Wright
Michael A. hammer
Thomas W. Price
Attached is our completed application for rezoning for the APAC tracts located in Stephenson.
In talks with Mr. Eric Lawrence, I understand that you will schedule a review by the HRAB at their November
20" meeting.
We have shown an area map in the application package which shows our research regarding historic structures
in the area of this site where identified within the rezoned area.
Ve also understand that this project is located within NPS battlefield area(s). This site is fully developed as
construction company headquarters site and no additional lands are to be disturbed as a part of the proposed
use of this site.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely yours,
gilbert w. elifford & associates, ine.
Jr., P.E. f Vice President
CEM/kf
Enclosure
Cc: Mr. Eric Lawrence
Mr. Jim Burrow
117 East Piccadilly Street, Suite 200, Winchester, Virginia 22601
(540) 667-2139 Fax (540) 665-0493 e-mail gwcliff@mnsinc.com
Metnber Americtzn Consulting Evrgineers Council
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VICINITY MAP
REZONING APPLICATION FORM
FREDERICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA
To he completed by Planning Staff.-
Zoning
taffZoning Amendment Number Date Received
PC Hearing Date BOS Hearing Date
The following information shall be provided by the applicant:
All parcel identification numbers, deed book and page numbers may be obtained from the
Office of the Commissioner of Revenue, Real Estate Division, 107 North Kent Street,
Winchester.
1. Applicant:
Name: APAC — Virginia, Inc.
Address: P.O. Box' 39
Stephenson, Virginia 22656-0339
2. Property Owner (if different than above)
Name:
Telephone: 540-662-4008
Telephone:
Address:
3. Contact person if other than above
Name: Charles E. Maddox, Jr., P.E., VP Telephone: 540-667-2139
Gilbert W. Clifford & Associates, Inc.
4. Checklist: Check the following items that have been included with this application.
Location Map X Agency Comments
Plat X Fees
Deed of property X Impact Analysis Statement X
Verification of taxes paid X Proffer Statement X
5. The Code of VirlZinia allows us to request full disclosure of ownership in relation to
rezoning applications.
Please list below all owners or parties in interest of the land to be rezoned:
ADAC — Virginia, Inc_
L_F_ Franklin & Sons. Inc_
6. A) Current Use of the Property:
B) Proposed Use of the Property:
7. Adjoining Property: See Attached
PARCEL ID NUMBER USE
Construction Company and Yard
Same
ZONING
8. Location: The property is located at (grave exact location based on nearest road and
distance from nearest intersection, using road names and route numbers).
Northeast quadrant of intersection of Route 11 and Route 664 near
Stephenson, Virginia.
12
t
I Information to be Submitted for Capital Facilities Impact Model ---
In order for the Planning Staff to use its capital facilities impact model, it is necessary for
the applicant to provide information concerning the specifics of the proposed use.
Otherwise, the planning staff will use the maximum possible density of intensity scenario
for the proposed Zoning District as described on page 9 of the application package.
9. Parcel Identification/Location: Parcel Identification Number 44-A-89 & 89A
Magisterial:
Fire Service:
Rescue Service
Stonewall
Clearbrook
Clearbrook
Districts
High School:
Middle School:
Elementary School:
James Wood
James Wood
Stonewall
10. Zoning Change: List the acreage included in each new zoning category being
requested.
Acres
Current Zoning
Zonin Re nested
7.45
RA
B-3
7.45
Total acreage
to be rezoned
11. The following information should be provided according to the type of rezoning
proposed:
Number of Units Proposed
Single Family Home 0 Townhome 0 Multi -Family 0
Non -Residential Lots 2 Mobile Home 0 Hotel Rooms 0
Square Footage of Proposed Uses
Office 6,000 Service Station
Retail 0 Manufacturing
Restaurant 0 Warehouse
Other
0
Construction Yard
13
12. Signature:
I (we), the undersigned, do hereby respectfully make application and petition the Frederick
County Board of Supervisors to amend the zoning ordinance and to change the zoning map
of Frederick County, Virginia. I (we) authorize Frederick County_ officials to enter the
property for site inspection purposes.
I (we) understand that the sign issued when this application is submitted must be placed at
the front property line at least seven days prior to the Planning Commission public hearing
and the Board of Supervisors' public hearing and maintained so as to be visible from the
road right-of-way until the hearing.
I (we) hereby certify that this application and its accompanying materials are true and
accurate to the best of my (our) knowledge.
Applicant(s) Date
Date
Owner(s) /3, --
19,,e4 --,1
3,19..f4-.✓ Assf. QCj
DateI Ti Ai
Date
14
Parcel iD # Name
Use
Zofling
44-A-85
Ronald W_ Neff
Vacant
RA
'
P.O. Box 244
Stephenson, VA 22656
44-A-88
Lambert J. Brown
Vacant
MH -1
1213 Hites Road
Middletown, VA 22645
44 -A -89A,
APAC
Construction Company
RA
44-A-89
P.O. Box 14000
Lexington, KY 40512
44-A-77
Charles W. Orndoff
Residential
RA
2897 Martinsburg Pike
Stephenson, VA 22656
44-A-76
Mice M_ Hiett
Residential
RA
2851 Martinsburg Pike
Stephenson, VA 22656
44 -A -76D
George C. & Dorothy L. Hiett
Mobile Homes
RA
2829 Martinsburg Pike
Stephenson, VA 22656
44-A-75
Brown Lovett Jr.
Vacant
RA
1117 Caroline Street
Winchester, VA 22601
44-A-70
David B. Grim
Residential
RA
159 N_ Loudoun Street
Winchester, VA 22601
44-A-69
Emmanuell United Methodist
Church
RA
2732 Martinsburg Pike
Stephenson, VA 22656
44-A-66
Maxine W Franklin
Residential
RA
P.O_ Box 44
Stephenson, VA 22656
44-A-95
Jane B. Bachmann
Vacant
RA
P_O. Box 335
Litchfield, CT 06759
APAC Constnw i0I7 Headquarters
Summary
The following Impact Analysis Statement is provided in summary form for the property known as
"APAC Construction Headquarters". The existing zoning is RA. The site is in complete use at the time
of this filing as a construction company office and yard facility. The same use is intended after rezoning.
This zoning change allows the present use to operate "by right" in lieu of its present status of
"nonconforming use." APAC -- Virginia, Inc. desires to make office and parking improvements, which
are not allowed under the nonconforming use statute. Natural buffer vegetation is to be !eft in place as
exists.
The site is shown on the County Comprehensive Plan as future commercial. The present use is allowed
in either the 13-3 or M-1 zoning districts. The B-3 zoning district was selected since it best fit the
comprehensive plan.
There are no known environmental, infrastructure or planning issues identified that would preclude the
rezoning and continued use of this site as for APAC to use as its construction yard. There may come a
time when the highest and best use of this site would cease to be construction company, so the range of
B-3 uses have been analyzed to determine if any are not suitable for this site. Those non -suitable uses
have been restricted by proffer.
The important planning policy guidelines supporting this application for rezoning are:
1. The site is presently in use as proposed in rezoning. The purpose of the rezoning is to
provide improved facilities to support the existing use.
2. The Route 11 north corridor is identified by the Comprehensive Policy Plan for Industrial
and Commercial Uses specifically this site is shown as "commercial."
3. Route i 1 is a major transportation corridor and this site lies at the intersection of U.S.
Route 11 and VA Route 664 (Stephenson Road).
4. The site provides a transition between uses to the south and in the more intensive M-2 uses
to the north (Global quarry).
5. APAC is a major employer in Frederick County.
6. There are continued positive fiscal impacts as evidenced by the County impact model.
ADAC Constriction Headquarters Impact AtiahsisStatemettt
Impact Analysis
Project Background
The site has been the home of the L.F. Franklin Construction Company for at least 25 years. The
business has recently been sold to APAC who continues to operate in the same business as L. F.
Franklin.
In order to be allowed "by right" to provide office improvements to the site it is appropriate to remove
the "non conforming" status since the site is presently zoned RA and does not provide for this use.
Location and Access
The APAC site sits in the northeast quadrant of the U.S-. Route 11 intersection with Virginia Route 664
(Stephenson Road). A location map is attached.
Site Suitability"
The site is suitable for the intended use as evidenced by the fact it has been in use for the past many
years without significant identified effect. The underlying geology is limestone. The site presently
accesses U.S. Route I1 (1 entrance) and VA Route 664 with 2 entrances. Drainage is provided by a
drainage way along its east boundary, which was recently upgraded by APAC in coordination with the
Frederick County Public Works Department. Another drainage way lies along the west boundary and
crosses the site by culvert in the northwest corner.
Traffic
Current VDOT traffic counts for U.S. Route 11 show 6,200 VPD including the normal operations of
APAC. The mix of traffic includes 92% cars and 8% trucks. Current trip counts to and from APAC are
an average 200 car trips and 100 truck trips. It is not expected that operations on this site will
significantly increase traffic since the site is presently in total use now. Fifty percent fluctuations, up or
down, are possible as national economic trends have this type of affect on business volumes of road
building type contractors. Fluctuations of this magnitude are not going to affect the operational level of
service of U. S. Route 11.
Sewage Conveyance and Treatment
The site is served by an existing septic system serving the office facility. Any expansion of the facility
will require approval by the local Health Department. The office is connected to public water (FCSA).
The average water use for domestic purposes is estimated to vary between 500 gpd and 1,000 gpd.
APAC has shown intent to the FCSA to connect to the possible regional wastewater system being
considered for service to the VDOT Rest Center on I-81.
Water -Supply
The facility is connected to the existing FCSA water system. A 10" main exists in U.S. Route 11 and
an 8" main exists along S.R. 664. Fire protection, as well potable water is available along both
frontages. Historic average water use is 600 GPD.
APAC Cotistruction Headquarters ImpactAltahsisStatement
Site Drainage
The principal drainage pattern is from south to north in two channel areas. There is a box culvert
structure under Route 664 draining water from the area between U.S. Route I 1 and the railroad tracks in
Stephenson, south of Route 664. The box discharge is to an improved swale along the east boundary
with Brown. The majority of the construction yard sheet flows to the swalc.
Also, drainage from between U.S. Route 11 and I-81 crosses U.S. Route 11 from west to east via two
culverts and flows along the west boundary frontage with U.S. Route 11 from south to north. The
drainage diagonally crosses the site via a 36" culvert. All drainage discharges the site at the northeast
corner to a natural stream that is a tributary to Hot Run.
Solid Waste Disposal Facilities
Solid waste is collected by contract hauler and transported to the Frederick County Landfill.
Historic Sites and Structures
None of the structures on site are listed on the County inventory for historic structures_ The intensively
developed site is not a candidate for historic preservation_
Impact on Community Facilities
The County impact model assumes the site is developed as a large "heavy commercial" use of 140,000
SF of retail uses. This model projects significant credits to the tax revenue of the County, for exceeding
any identified impacts_
Another analysis was conducted by the applicant, which measured the impacts of the continued use as a
construction company as follows:
Schools - No identified impact
Sheriff - Normal patrol service @ % hour per day at $60/hr. = $10,950/annum
Fire & Rescue - Rough estimate from average of previous years. 1 call per year @ $2,000 cost.
Parks & Recreation - No identified impact.
Solid Waste - The payments made to commercial hauler reimburse County for costs of operation at
landfill (Enterprise Fund).
From this necessarily brief study, the existing use also creates credits significantly in excess of cost
impacts on County facilities. Proffers have been offered for Fire and Rescue and Law Enforcement to
assist in capital improvement planning since these services were identified to have individual impacts.
REZONING REQUEST PROFFER
Property Identification Number 44 -A -89A and 44-A-89
Stonewall Magisterial District
APAC — Virginia, Ince
Preliminary Matters
Pursuant to Section 15.2-2296 et. Sea., of the code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, and the provisions of
the Frederick County Zoning Ordinance with respect to conditional rezoning, the undersigned applicant
herby proffers that in the event the Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, Virginia, shall approve
Rezoning Application # for the rezoning of 7.4455 acres from the present RA to B3. Development
of the subject property shall be done in conformity with the terms and conditions set forth herein, except
to the extent that such terms and conditions may be subsequently amended or revised by the applicant
and such be approved by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors in accordance with Virginia law.
In the event that such rezoning is not granted, then these proffers shall be deemed withdrawn and of no
effect whatsoever. These proffers shall be binding upon the applicant and their legal successor or
assigns.
General Development_ Plan
The subject property shall be used in the same manner as currently in use. No additional buffers or
screens are proposed except that a building addition and parking improvements shall be implemented
along Rout 664 as generally shown on the Generalized Development Plan. These improvements are to
meet requirements of the County zoning ordinance as identified by future site plan review.
Any change of use from Construction Company shall require compliance with all B-3 zoning
requirements.
Monetary Contribution to Offset Impact of Development
The undersigned, who owns the above described property, hereby voluntarily proffer that if the Board of
Supervisors for the County of Frederick, Virginia approves the rezoning for the 7.4485 acre tract lying
on the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Route 11 and Route 664 near Stephenson, Virginia in the
Stonewall Magisterial District of Frederick County, Virginia from existing RA to B-3 the undersigned
will pay to Frederick County, at the time a building permit is issued for the office expansion, a lump
sum payment of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for Fire and Rescue Company and five thousand
dollars ($5,000.00) for Sheriff's Office.
REZONING REQUEST PROFFER
Property Identification Number 44 -A -89A and 44-A-89
Stonewall Magisterial District
APAC — Virginia, Inc.
Palle 2
Allowed Uses on This Site
The undersigned owner shall voluntarily restrict use of this site by agreeing not to change the present
use to any of the following allowed uses in the B-� zone:
SIC 41 Local and suburban transit and interurban highway passenger transportation
SIC 42 Motor freight transportation and warehousing
SIC 45 Transportation by air
SIC 721 Laundry, dry-cleaning and garment services
SIC 75 Drive-in motion picture theaters
The conditions proffered above shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and
successors in interest of the Applicant and Owner. In the event the Frederick County Board of
Supervisors grant said rezoning and accepts these conditions, the proffered conditions shall apply to the
land rezoned in addition to other requirements set forth in the Frederick County Code.
Respectfully submitted,
PROPERTY OWNER
By: 13,
OF
Date: �o r
STATE OF VIRGINIA, AT LARGE
FREDERICK COUNTY, To -wit:
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 31 S day of
2001, by Zome.5 A. 8uRazw
My commission expires AAVe_m6e_R 30, 7=
Notary Public
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RICHARD U• QOQOE
CERTIFIED SURVEYOR
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SHEET 20172
Historic Landmark Study
No.
Rural
Landmark
Potentialt
Significant
938
Grover Hiett House
No
939
ShIrtey Wilson House
No
940
Emmanuel Methodist Church No
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CML WAR SITES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
SECOND WINCHESTER Virginia ever did." The battle was won by deft flanking
(13-15 JUNE 1863) maneuvers and underscores the inadequacy of relying on
entrenchments when confronted by a mobile attacking
force.
County: Frederick VA, and City of Winchester
General Location: Valley Pike (US 11 at Abrams Creek),
Apple Pie Ridge and "Louisiana Heights" W of town,
West Fort, Fort Milroy, and Star Fort; S. of present day
Stephenson's (US 11 S of 761).
Size of Study/Core Areas: 22,274/3,113 acres
GIS Integrity of Study/Core Areas: 48/52 percent; Poor/
Fair
Field Assessment of Study Area Integrity: Poor
USGS Quadrants: Winchester, Stephenson
Campaign: Gettysburg Campaign
Principal Commanders: [c] Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell; [u]
Maj. Gen. Robert H. Milroy.
Forces Engaged: [c] Second Corps ANV, two divisions
(Early and Johnson), about 12,500; [u] Three infantry
brigades (Elliott, Ely, McReynolds), numbering about
7,000.
Casualties: [c] 269 (47k/219w/3m); [u] 4,443 (95k/373w/
3,975m&c).
Significance: After the Battle of Brandy Station (9 June
1863), Gen. Robert E. Lee launched his plan for a second
invasion of the north He ordered the Second Corps,
Army of Northern Virginia, under Maj. Gen. Richard
Ewell to attack the US force at Winchester and clear the
Lower Valley of Union opposition. In the resulting three-
day battle (13-15 June), Ewell's corps defeated, routed,
and nearly destroyed a US division under Maj. Gen.
Robert Milroy. This victory (the apogee of Ewell's career)
offered high hopes for the success of Lee's second invasion
of the North, hopes that were dashed on the battlefield of
Gettysburg in July. In the words of Confederate artillerist
Maj. Robert Stiles, "This battle of Winchester... was one of
the most perfect pieces of work the Army of Northern
;l
DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTLE
Prelude (12 June): On 12 June 1863, the Second Corps of
the Army of Northern Virginia under Lt. Gen. Richard S.
Ewell, three divisions nearly 19,000 strong, entered the
Valley at Chester Gap and pressed on to Front Royal Two
divisions under Maj. Gen. tubal A. Early and Maj. Gen.
Edward Johnson continued north on the Valley Pike and
the Front Royal Road to converge on the Union defenders
of Winchester under Maj. Gen. Robert Milroy. Despite
the superior forces that were rumored to be approaching,
Milroy was confident that the strength of his fortifications
would enable him to repel the Confederates or withstand a
siege. The ridges west of town were heavily fortified and
consisted of trenches linking central strong points or
"forts". The strongest of these were Fort Milroy and Star
Fort. West Fort, a redoubt of six guns, featured promi-
nently in the action.
Phase One. US Dispositions (13 June): On 13 June,
Milroy advanced elements of Elliott's brigade to
Pritchard's Hill at Kernstown and sent elements of Elys
brigade to intercept any advance on the Front Royal Pike.
McReynolds brigade was at Berryville.
Phase Two. CS Advance on Front Royal Pike (13 June):
Edward Johnson's Division of four brigades (Steuart,
Williams, Walker, Jones) advanced on the Front Royal
Pike driving back Union pickets. Approaching the
intersection of Millwood Road about 1400 hours, Johnson
deployed and swept forward, driving Union skirmishers
from behind stone fences. US troops withdrew to high
ground north of Abrams Creek under cover of a battery
and the heavy guns of Fort Milroy. Johnson brought up a
battery and engaged Union field artillery, driving several
pieces from the field. The CS guns lacked the range to
reply to Fort Milroy's guns and eventually were forced to
withdraw. Johnson's.advance was stalled, and he awaited
the arrival of Early's division to the west on the Valley
Pike.
Phase Three. CS Advance on Valley Pike (13 June):
Early's division of four brigades (Hays, Smith, Avery,
CIVIL WAR SITES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
Gordon) marched toward Winchester on the Valley Pike
in conjunction with Johnson's division on the Front Royal
Road. Late afternoon, Early's column reached the
outskirts of Kernstown and drove back the US skirmish
line encountered at Pritchard's Hill. US forces retreated to
Cedar Creek Grade and briefly counterattacked, but Early
extended his line to the west, out -flanking successive
Union positions. US cavalry attacked several times up the
Valley Pike to ease pressure on the infantry. Eventually,
the Union force retreated north of Abrams Creek under
cover of the heavy guns from Bower's Hill and Fort
Milroy.
Phase Four. Milroy Withdraws into the Forts (13 June):
After dark Milroy concentrated his forces inside a triangle
defined by Fort Milroy, Star Fort, and West Fort
McReynolds' brigade reached Fort Milroy after marching
a round -about route from Berryville, harassed by Confed-
erate cavalry- Milroy's soldiers had fought well during the
previous afternoon, and he was confident that he could
withstand renewed Confederate assaults in the morning.
In the meantime, Ewell ordered his third division under
Maj. Gen. Robert E. Rodes to advance on Martinsburg via
Berryville to cut off Milroy's retreat in that direction.
Phase Five. Early's Flank March (14 June): At dawn of 14
June, one of Early's brigades (Gordon) swept forward to
capture Bower's Hill with little resistance. Johnson
extended his line to the right against very light opposition;
there was fitful skirmishing in the streets of Winchester.
Early and Ewell conferred on Bower's Hill and decided on
a flanking strategy. Gordon's brigade and two batteries
were left on Bower's Hill, while Early led his three other
brigades back to Cedar Creek Grade, west beyond Apple
Pie Ridge where it was out of view of US fortifications,
then north over Cloverdale Plantation to Walnut Grove.
His column was accompanied by 20 guns. While Early
made this march, Johnson advanced a line of skirmishers
on the right to occupy the Federals' attention. The CS
batteries on Bower's Hill opened up, touching off a duel
with the Union guns in Fort Milroy. By mid-afternoon,
Early's force had gained a position opposite West Fort on
Apple Pie Ridge. Eight guns were positioned on the
Brierly Farm northwest of the fort, while 12 guns were
placed in an orchard southwest of the fort. By this time
vhe field had quieted, and the US forces believed that the
Confederates had been repulsed from Winchester.
72
Phase Six. Attack on West Fort (14 June): About 1800
hours, Early's artillery opened fire on West Fort. The
twenty guns fired for 45 minutes, while Brig. Gen. Harry
T. Hays stealthily advanced his Louisiana brigade through
the corn and wheat fields at the base of Apple Pie Ridge.
On command, the brigade rushed forward across 300
yards of open fields and swept upward into the works.
After a brief hand-to-hand struggle, US defenders aban-
doned the works, retreating to Fort Milroy. Hays was
supported in the attack by two brigades (Smith and
Avery). Early consolidated his line on West Fort Ridge,
but darkness prevented further gains. An artillery duel
continued until long after dark. After the battle, Ewell
christened West Fort Ridge as "Louisiana Heights" in
honor of Hays's brigade.
Phase Seven. Johnson's Flank March (14-15 June): Ewell
assumed that Milroy would retreat during the night and
ordered Johnson to prevent his escape by cutting the
Charles Town Road. About 2100 hours, Johnson (with
Steuart's and Williams's brigades and 8 guns) marched
north to Berryville Pike and west to Jordan Springs Road,
where he turned north toward Stephenson's Depot.
About midnight, the Stonewall brigade disengaged and
joined the rear of the column, leaving one brigade (Jones)
astride the Berryville Pike east of town.
Phase Eight US Withdrawal (14-15 June): After confer-
ring with his officers, Milroy made the decision to try to
"cut their way through" to Harpers Ferry on the old
Charles Town Road. All of the cannons were spiked and
their carriages destroyed. Shortly after midnight, the
Union soldiers left their works so quietly that Early's
Confederates did not know they were gone until morning.
The column massed in the low ground between Star Fort
and Fort Milroy, then moved down the railroad and the
Valley Pike toward the Charles Town crossroad, just south
of Stephenson's Depot
Phase Nine. US Surrender at Stephenson's Depot (15
June): Near dawn, Johnson's skirmishers encountered the
head of Milroy's retreating column near the intersection of
the Valley Pike and old Charles Town road. Milroy faced
his column to the right on the pike and prepared to fight
his way out of a "murderous trap." Johnson deployed his
regiments along Milburn Road as they came up and
advanced to the railroad and placed two guns on either
CML WAR SITES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
side of the Charles Town Road railroad bridge. The rest of
the artillery was deployed on the heights east of Milburn
Road. As it grew light, US forces made several desperate
but uncoordinated attacks against the bridge and railroad
embankment. The Confederates were being steadily
reinforced and repulsed each attempt. The Stonewall
brigade now came up in line of battle north of the road
and advanced to cut the Valley Pike. This was the final
blow;. Union regiments hoisted the white flag. Between
2,500 and 3,000 surrendered Milroy and his staff, and
other small units escaped to the west. (Note: US casualty
figures for Second Winchester vary widely. This is
explained by the fact that about two thousand Union
soldiers not belonging to Milroy's command were in field
hospitals in the city and were often added to the number
of captured and missing. Milroy, of course, played down
his losses.)
CURRENT CONDITION OF THE BATTLEFian
Contrary to popular perception, Second Winchester is
not a "lost" battlefield. Because of the wide-ranging
Confederate maneuvers involved, the battlefield covers a
great deal of ground, but the major fighting and casualties
occurred at five locations: Pritchard's Hill; the intersection
of Millwood and Front Royal pikes (interchange 82 of i-
81); Abrams Creek and Bower's Hill; Apple Pie Ridge and
West Fort; and Stephenson's Depot. Three of these
locations retain high levels of integrity: P.ritchard's Hill,
Apple Pie Ridge and West Fort, and Stephenson's Depot.
The parcel of ground at Pritchard's Hill figured promi-
nently in both battles of Kernstown and in the rear guard
actions of Opequon. The parcel of ground at
Stephenson's Depot figured in cavalry actions during the
battle of Opequon and in the engagement of Rutherford's
Farm (20 July 1864). Although the field over which the
Louisiana Brigade attacked West Fort has been divided by
the rte. 37 bypass, the terrain is still intact and adds to the
interpretation of the battle.
Central to understanding the Union ring of fortifica-
tions at Winchester are Fort Milroy, Star Fort, and West
Fort. Of these, Star Fort is well preserved, while remnants
survive of Fort Milroy and West Fort. Portions of related
entrenchments survive on ridges north and west of
Winchester, although the extent of survivals has not been
measured The view from Star Fort is essential for
understanding the US position at Second Winchester.
Access to Fort Milroy and creation of a viewshed among
73
trees would enhance the ability to interpret the Union
situation.
The routes of CS flanking maneuvers (Early to the
west and Johnson to the east) can be followed. Early's
route traverses well preserved rural tracts north from
Cedar Creek Grade along Apple Pie Ridge. The exact
route can only be followed on foot across private property.
Johnson's route crosses a portion of the Opequon
battlefield and follows rural roads past Jordan Spring to
the intersection of rtes. 761 and 11 near Stephenson.
Much of this course is through scenic farmland, although
the density of housing along segments of these roads is
increasing. Driving this route offers an appreciation of CS
strategy and of the final action at Stephenson's Depot.
Many historic structures associated with the battle
remain in and around the city of Winchester, including
Taylor's Hotel which served as the US headquarters, and
Cloverdale and Walnut Grove, which were passed by
Farly's flank march.
PERCEPTION OF TfiwATS TO BA'rrr EnED
The city of Winchester has grown up around the US
defensive position, which was anchored by West Fort, Star
Fort, Fort Milroy, and connecting entrenchments. in
most cases, however, the ridge crests have been the last to
develop as residential tracts have filled the valleys. As a
result, Star Fort is well preserved; portions of Fort Milroy
remain; and traces of West Fort can be located Recently,
housing has been built along West Fort Ridge ("Louisiana
Heights") destroying or otherwise segmenting surviving
earthworks. The northern portion of Fort Milroy was
recently purchased for the purpose of development; the
southern portion is owned by National Fruit Products.
Seven acres of Star Fort are owned by a local preservation
group, but the surrounding 50 acres are zoned commer-
cial/business and are currently for sale; portions of
earthworks at Star Fort are in need of stabilization;
grounds would need to be cleared, planted with grass, and
maintained to expand visitation and interpretation.
Commercial and industrial development along rte. 522
intrudes somewhat on the viewshed.
Of the five main engagement areas, Bower's Hill is a
housing subdivision and site of a high school, elementary
school, and water tower. A degraded portion of the field
(also fought over during First Winchester) remains along
railroad tracks west of US 11, but this land is scheduled for
high density residential development. Johnson's position
CML WAR SITES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
on June 13-14 at the intersection of Front Royal and
Millwood pikes lies beneath I-81 interchange #82. Land
contours have been extensively altered and viewsheds
blocked by dense commercial/industrial development in
the vicinity. These two segments for most interpretive
activities have been lost.
Pritchard's Hill is privately owned and remains in a
relatively pristine state. The land between Pritchard's Hill
and Bower's Hill has already been densely developed for
residential and commercial purposes. The Apple Pie
Ridge -West Fort parcel across which the Louisiana brigade
attacked West Fort is bisected by rte. 37 -bypass but is
visually well preserved, maintained as pasture and apple
orchards. Two historic stone houses survive adjacent to
the highway, which runs through a ravine and is not
particularly intrusive to the view from Apple Pie Ridge.
An excellent vantage point for understanding this phase
exists just south of the intersection of rtes. 522 and 679.
The area south of Stephenson's Depot, site of the
massive US surrender, is by far the best preserved parcel of
Second Winchester. Except for power lines and towers,
the land retains its Civil War appearance. This parcel
covers much of the ground where the battle culminated,
where the most desperate fighting occurred, and where
nearly 3,000 Union soldiers surrendered; its significance
should not be underestimated. The parcel is owned by a
local developer, but is not currently serviced by sewage
lines.
74
IDENTIFIED SPTEs AND FEATURES ASSOCIATED WITH
THE BATTLEFIELD (UNsuRVEYED*)
Abrams Creek
Milburn Road
Abrams Delight
Milltown
Apple Pie Ridge
National Cemetery
Battery Hill
Northwestern Pike
Battery Heights
Old Charles Town Road
Berryville Pike
Old Town Winchester
Bower's Hill
Parkin's Mill
Camp Hill
Pritchard's Hill
Cedar Creek Grade
Star Fort
Cloverdale*
Stephenson's Depot
Collier Redoubt
Stine's Chapel (site of)
Entrenchments
Stone Houses
Fort Milroy
Stonewall Cemetery
Front Royal Pike
Taylor's Hotel
Jonathan Smith House
Tidball's Spring
Jordan Springs
Tollgate (site of)
Keddey Mills
Valley Pike
Kernstown
West Fort
Louisiana Heights
Walnut Grove*
Middle Road
Willow Lawn*
Milburn Cemetery
Winchester & Potomac
Railroad
APACE
hlaP �
INT�ts� tT ,�
CML WAR SITES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
OP'EQUUN OR THIRD WINCHESTER
(19 SEMITE BER 1864)
County: Frederick, VA and City of Winchester
General Location: Area east of Winchester from I-81
along Berryville Pike (VA 7) to Opequon Creek Also
combat north of Red Bud Run W to US 11. Stephenson's
Depot Star Fort. Collier Redoubt.
Size of Study/Core Areas: 11,670/4,914 acres
GIS Integrity of Study/Core Areas: 54/47 percent; Fair/
Poor
Field Assessment of Study Area Integrity: Poor
USGS Quadrants. Winchester, Stephenson
Campaign: Sheridan's Valley Campaign
Principal Commanders: [c] Lt Gen. Jubal Early; [u] Maj
Gen. Philip Sheridan.
Forces Engaged: [c] Four divisions (Gordon, Rodes,
Ramseur, Breckinridge/Wharton), two cavalry divisions
(Fitz Lee, Lomax), about 15,200; [u] Three infantry corps
(Wright, Emory, Crook), cavalry corps (Torbert), about
39,236.
Casualties: [c] 3,611 (226k/1,567w/1,818m&c); [u] 5,018
(697k/3,983w/338m).
Significance: Opequon or Third Winchester (fought 19
September 1864) was the largest and most desperately
contested battle of the Civil War in the Shenandoah
Valley, resulting in more than 9,000 casualties. The battle
was a turning point of the war in the Valley, marking the
rise of Sheridan and the decline of Confederate power.
Sheridan defeated the Confederate army again three days
later at Fisher's Hill (22 September), forcing it to retreat
up the Valley to near Waynesboro. The CS army of Lt.
Gen. Jubal A. Early suffered about 23 percent casualties.
Casualties for the larger Union army under Maj. Gen.
Philip Sheridan exceeded 5,000, nearly 20 percent. The
Union XIX Corps sustained 40 percent casualties (2,074
93
men) and lost every regimental commander during its
assaults on the Middle Field and Second Woods. The
most severe fighting and casualties occurred in the large
parcel east of I-81, north of rte. 7, west of rte. 656, and
south of rte. 661. The Middle Field ranks with some of the
most sanguinary fields of the Civil War, witnessing more
than 3,000 casualties. CS general Robert E. Rodes and US
general D. A. Russell were both killed within a few
hundred yards of the Dinkle Barn site at the entrance to
Winchester Mall.
DESCRIP'T'ION OF THE BATTLE
Phase One. US Advance (19 September): Maj. Gen.
Philip Sheridan's army advanced from the vicinity of
Berryville on the Winchester -Berryville Pike about 0200
hours, 19 September 1864. At earliest light, Brig. Gen.
James Wilson's cavalry division crossed the Opequon at
Spout Spring and advanced through a defile known as
Berryville Canyon, followed by the US infantry (VI Corps,
XIX Corps, and Crook's corps). At the canyon's mouth
the cavalry met the first elements of Maj. Gen. Stephen
Ramseur's CS division and drove them back on their
supports. Johnston's brigade deployed across the pike and
held back the Union advance, while the rest of the division
came into line to cover the Berryville Pike and Senseny
Road farther to the south. The US cavalry launched
several mounted and dismounted charges, driving the CS
infantry back about 150 yards to the vicinity of the Dinkle
Barn. Here Ramseur stiffened his defense with artillery,
and the US cavalry withdrew as its infantry began to
deploy. Wilson's division moved to cover the US left flank
where it remained for the rest of the battle.
Phase Two. Cavalry Action: About 0200 hours Brig. Gen.
Wesley Merritt's cavalry division of three brigades (Custer,
Devin, Lowell) advanced toward Seiver's and Locke's fords
from the vicinity of Berryville. Their crossings were
resisted by Brig. Gen. John McCausland's cavalry brigade
dismounted behind barricades. The Reserve brigade
(Lowell) pushed across at Seiver's Ford against fitful
opposition. Custer's brigade met heavier resistance at
Locke's Ford and made several mounted charges before
securing a foothold on the western bank By 0800 hours
both wings were across the creek, but the cavalry did not
advance for several hours. About 1030 hours,
McCausland's skirmishers withdrew, and Merritt's
division moved cautiously forward. Waiting for them was
CML WAR SITES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
Wharton's infantry division about a mile west of the fords,
deployed across the roads in woods and behind stone
fences. About 1100 hours, the US cavalry began testing
the CS defenses with skirmishers and artillery. Custer
launched one mounted attack but was quickly repulsed.
About noon, Sheridan's main infantry attack was under-
way, and Wharton's division withdrew to cover the CS left
flank on the Valley Pike north of Winchester. Merritt
continued forward along Charles Town Road. Custer
followed the line of the Winchester & Potomac Railroad.
About 1400 hours Merritt's division converged with
Averell's cavalry division on the Valley Pike near
Stephenson's Depot (See phase seven.)
Phase Three. Deployment of US Infantry. In the mean-
time, the Union infantry bogged down in the narrow
confines of Berryville Canyon, dating Sheridan's hopes of
quickly taking Winchester and defeating the CS army in
detail. Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright's VI Corps of three
divisions (Getty, Ricketts, Russell) emerged from the
canyon in order. Getty's division deployed south of the
pike with its left flank resting on Abrams Creek. Ricketts'
division formed north of the pike on Gett-�s right and
extending to Redbud Run. Russell's division was held in
reserve. The XIX Corps of two divisions (Dwight and
Grover) did not begin crossing until after 0900 hours and
eventually deployed north of the pike into the First
Woods, connecting with Ricketts' right Sheridan
established his headquarters near the Berryville Pike,
probably south of the road on the Eversole Farm. As the
US infantry deployed, the CS batteries opened a furious
fire from behind the Dinkde Barn. Union batteries swung
into action on both sides of the pike to engage the CS
guns.
In the meantime, Lt. Gen. Jubal Early concentrated his
scattered divisions. Rodes' division, marching from near
Stephenson's Depot, deployed to the left and rear of
Ramseur's division in the West Woods. Gordon's division
extended the line across the Hackwood Farm to Redbud
Run. Wharton's infantry and Fitz Lee's cavalry division
drew a line across the Valley Pike north of town near
Stephenson's Depot CS batteries deployed on high
ground along Baker Lane north and south of the West
Woods, and north of Redbud Run. Skirmishing contin-
ued along Ramseur's front.
Phase Four. Fighting in Middle Field: At 1140 hours, a
US signal gun boomed and Grover's division of four
94
brigades (Birge, Molineux, Sharpe, and Shunk) launched
its attack from the First Woods across Middle Field
toward the Second Woods behind which Gordon's
division waited. CS horse artillery north of Redbud Run
played havoc with the flanks of Grover's attacking line.
Birge's brigade reached the woods, driving back skirmish-
ers, but then came up against Gordon's main line and
were staggered. Sharpe's brigade came up on Birge's left,
and the fighting became desperate. The Confederate line
broke, falling back across the Hackwood property. Seven
CS cannon in the Hackwood Lane fired canister
pointblank into the US attackers, throwing therm back.
Gordon now launched a counterattack with two brigades,
driving Birge and Sharpe out of the Second Woods and
back across Middle Field. Grover ordered Molineux to
advance and plug the gap that had opened between Birge
and Sharpe. The firing was so intense that Molineux's
flanks seemed to "melt away." Shunk's brigade was
thrown forward to bolster the wavering Union line,
coming in on Mohneux's right rear. Shunk closed to
within sixty yards of the CS line in the Second Woods.
The two lines delivered pointblank volleys into each
others' ranks. Gordon again counterattacked, and the
Union attack collapsed. The wreckage of Grover's
division went streaming back across the Middle Field to
the safety of the First Woods. The CS horse battery
(Breathed) north of Redbud Run again worked execution
among the retreating division. Every regimental com-
mander in Grover's division was killed or wounded;
casualties totaled nearly 1,500. Bears brigade of Dwight's
division deployed in the treeline at the east end of the
Middle Field and advanced into "that basin of Hell" to
stem the retreat Gordon's men waiting along the treeline
of the Second Woods laid down a murderous fire. The
Union brigade did not reach within 200 yards of the
Second Woods before being pinned down. They ex-
pended all of their ammunition before retreating back to
the First Woods. The 114th New York suffered casualties
of 60 percent (188 of 350 effectives). McMillan's brigade,
personally directed by Corps commander Maj. Gen.
William Emory, advanced. They reached a shallow ravine
about 200 yards from the Second Woods, where two
regiments (8VT and 12CT) clung on for nearly two hours.
By 1300 hours, the main thrust of the XIX Corps attack
was blunted and its ranks decimated. By 1400 hours,
firing on this end of the field sputtered out from sheer
exhaustion.
CIVIL WAR SITES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
Phase Five. Fighting Near Dinkle Barn: At 1140 in
conjunction with the XIX Corps' advance on the right,
Getty's and Ricketts's divisions of the VI Corps launched
their attack against Ramseur's line, which was positioned
on high ground, stretching from the Dinkle Barn south
behind Abrams Creek. Ricketts' division on the right was
ordered to guide its attack on the Berryville Pike, which
takes a sharp jog to the left in front of the Dinkle Barn. As
they advanced, a gap widened between the VI Corps and
the XIX Corps on the far right. Keifer's and Emerson's
brigades ruptured the Confederate center at the Dinkle
Barn and moved to capture a battery of artillery in front of
the West Woods. Ramseur's left flank now gave way and
Confederates began to drift back toward Winchester.
Phase Six..Rodes's Counterattack Just as Ramseur's left
flank gave way from the Union attacks, Maj. Gen. Robert
E. Rodes brought his division forward from its protected
position in the West Woods. About 1330 he launched a
devastating counterattack into the gap that had opened
between the VI and XIX Corps. Battle's Alabama brigade
"came out of the woods like a whirlwind," crushing
Ricketts's division, which formed the right flank of the Vl
Corps. About this time, General Rodes was killed by
shrapnel. He fell somewhere along the woods line. Union
soldiers streamed back along the Berryville Pike, while two
US batteries astride the pike tried to slow the CS assault.
From his command post on Eversole's Hill, Sheridan and
Wright witnessed the disaster. Sheridan immediately
committed his reserves to stave off certain defeat, this was
David A. Russell's division of three brigades (Campbell,
Upton, and Edwards). Campbell advanced his brigade
astride the Berryville Pike with Edwards' brigade to his
right General Russell, directing these maneuvers, was
mortally wounded. The two brigades struck Battle's
attackers head-on and stalled them in the ravine from
which they had emerged and drove them back on their
supports at the edge of the West Woods—the rest of
Rodes' division. Upton's brigade came in on Edwards'
right advancing from the edge of the Second Woods. The
two divisions—Rodes' and Russell's --closed, exchanging
murderous volleys. Upton's impetuous charge stopped
the CS counterattack and drove it back into the West
Woods. Russell's division was then withdrawn out of
range to regroup. Wright called Upton's attack the
turning point of the battle.
95
Phase Seven. Cavalry Action: Concurrent with the above
events, there was cavalry fighting along the Valley Pike
north of Winchester. About 0500 hrs. the Union cavalry
division of William Averell crossed the Opequon near
Darkesville and moved to the Valley Pike, steadily pushing
back the 23rd Virginia Cavalry, which fought a delaying
action back to Bunker Hill. There the 23VA were rein-
forced by the 62nd Virginia mounted infantry.
About 10 o'clock, Union cavalry attacked at Bunker
Hill, forcing the CS cavalry to retire. Averell continued
pushing south on the pike to link up with Merritt's
division about 1400 hours, near Stephenson's Depot.
South of the old Charles Town road, the Confederate
cavalry units were stiffened by Smith's infantry brigade
(Wharton's Division). About 1330, Devin's brigade
arrived on the road to the depot. About one mile south of
the depot, it encountered McCausland's brigade drawn up
in line of battle and attacked, driving the Confederates
back in confusion. The 23VA cavalry and the 62VA
mounted infantry attacked the Union flank disrupting the
charge. McCausland and Smith retired one mile to the
lightly entrenched line at near Collier Redoubt where they
were reinforced by Fitz Lee's two brigades (Wickham and'
Payne) and Wharton's infantry division. Maj. Gen.
Fitzhugh Lee fell wounded, during the fighting south of
Stephenson's Depot. The Union cavalry deployed five
brigades in line of battle, stretching from the railroad west
toward the ridge near the intersection of the Valley Pike
and Welltown Road.
Phase Eight Crook's Flank Attack About 1300 hours,
Sheridan directed Crook's corps of two divisions
(Thoburn and Duval) to advance from its reserve position
near Spout Spring. The divisions marched to near the
"Factory" on Redbud Run, where they split up.
Thoburn's division moved west on the south bank of
Redbud into the First Woods to relieve the XIX Corps.
Duval's division crossed the run and turned west accom-
panied by the artillery of Capt. Henry DuPont Duval's
division deployed near the Huntsberry House. DuPont
unlimbered 18 guns on what has been named DuPont
Hill, opposite Gordon's flank in the Second Woods and
opened fire. Crook now ordered Duval's division forward
into a "wall of flame." They swept across Redbud Run at
the Hackwood House, turning Gordon's flank and
advancing against Wharton's line, stretching from Collier
Redoubt east. About this time, Thoburn's division
CML WAR SUES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
charged out of the First Woods into the Middle Field.
This two-pronged assault forced Gordon to abandon the
Second Woods and align himself with Breckinridge to his
left rear. The CS line was now drawn into a compact L -
shape, anchored by cavalry at Star Fort. Wharton's
division faced north Gordon's division made the turn of
the L and Rodes' and Ramseur's divisions extended the
line south to Abrams Creek
Phase Nine. Collapse of CS Line: With the success of
Crook's attack on the right, Sheridan ordered a general
advance against the constricted CS position on the plateau
just north and east of the town. The Confederates were
posted behind stone fences, rail barricades, and in shallow
earthworks constructed in 1862. They could retreat no
farther without losing organization in the streets of
Winchester. As the Union advance closed from east and
north, firing became fierce and desperate. The massed
artillery of both sides fired case shot and canister. General
Sheridan rode forward to the battle lines to urge his troops
forward About 1530 hours, as the infantry fighting
reached a crescendo, Averell and Merritt advanced their
cavalry divisions astride the Valley Pike, first at a walk and
hen at a thundering gallop. They swept over the CS line
at Collier Redoubt driving back the CS cavalry on the low
ground below Star Fort. Schoonmaker's brigade of
Averell's division repeatedly attacked Munford's cavalry at
Star Fort, eventually overrunning the work. The CS
infantry withdrew to another line about 150 yards to the
rear but the damage was done. The sound of Union
cavalry pounding in their rear spread panic all along the
Confederate line, and soldiers began streaming to the rear
and "whirling through Winchester." Wharton's and
Gordon's divisions seemed to disintegrate. Seven Federal
horseman captured Confederate battle flags, each earning
a Medal of Honor. Rodes's division (commanded now by
Grimes) performed the difficult maneuver of "changing
front" to the north to stop the onrushing US cavalry.
Early's army retreated in disorder.
Phase Ten. Rear Guard Actions: General Early fashioned
a defensive line at Kemstown (probably at Pritchard's Hill
and behind Hoge's Run) which saved his wagons and
most of his artillery. Cavalry and elements of the VI Corps
probed this makeshift CS defense as night fell, but the US
.orces were too disorganized by success to mount an
effective pursuit. After dark, the CS army withdrew up the
96
Valley Pike to Fisher's Hill south of Strasburg. Gen.
Sheridan established his headquarters in Winchester at
the home of Lloyd Logan. Casualties were so severe that
nearly every sizeable structure in Winchester served as a
hospital after the battle.
CURRENT CONDITION of THE BATrumm
The Opequon battlefield is large and sprawling,
covering thousands of acres east and north of Winches-
ter. In general, much of the battlefield has been greatly
degraded or destroyed by the expanding urban environs
of Winchester, but several significant parcels currently
remain, perhaps 800-900 acres: these include the Cavalry
Field north of Collier Redoubt, the Hackwood Estate,
northern half of Middle Field and First Woods adjacent
to Redbud Run, and the heights (including DuPont's
Hill) north of Redbud Run. Together, these parcels form
a block of battlefield core that retains a high degree of
integrity.
Many historic structures remain in the vicinity,
including Hackwood; Spout Spring (Wood House) on
rte. 7 adjacent to a sewage treatment plant; an old house,
mill site, and a dye house where rte. 656 crosses Redbud
Run; an old log house where rte. 659 crosses Redbud
Run; Brumley House; Valley Mill Fane; Jordan Springs;
Tanquary House; and others. The Hackwood Estate
dates from 1777 and is a historic treasure in its own right
Preservation of this house and parcel alone would allow
substantial interpretation of the battle of Opequon.
Other parcels, such as the Opequon Crossing and
Spout Spring, Seiver's and Locke's fords, and the Second
Winchester parcel at Stephenson's Depot (which was
scene of cavalry actions during this battle) would expand
interpretation. Star Fort and Collier Redoubt appear
protected, although without sufficient buffers.
Although. hemmed in by development and severely
degraded, the Dinkle Barn site adjacent to the I-81
entrance ramp off rte. 7 is key to understanding the
attack of the VI Corps and Rodes' counterattack. A
portion of the ravine down which Rodes attacked is
intact northeast of I-81 interchange in front of the Dinkle
Barn site at the entrance of Winchester Mall. The battery
heights west of I-81 are being developed for business,
industrial, and residential uses. The last surviving parcel
of West Woods (adjacent to 1-81) is currently being
bulldozed for townhouses.
CIVIL WAR SITES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
The Hastings marker is the only monument erected on
IDENTIFIED SITES AND FEATURES ASSOCIATED WITH
the battlefield that remains. It is enclosed by an iron fence
THE BATTLEFIELD (UNSURVEYED*)
and sits next to the road in the midst of Fort Collier
House(site
Baker Housesite o
Milburn ry
Business/Industrial Park east of Collier Redoubt. Nearby
Berryville Canyon
Middle Field
field
are the remains of old stone fences and an old farm lane
Berryville Pike
Morgan's Mill (ruin)
defended by CS troops in the battle's later phases.
Brumley House
National Cemetery
PERCEPTION OF 7�IREATS TO BATTT.RFTFT.n
Burnt Factory Farm
Old Town Winchester
C. Wood's Millsite of`
( )
Opequon Crossing
Threats are immediate and of large order. If contin-
Carter House
Ravine up which Rodes attacked
ued as planned, the residential development of Caleb
Cleridge Farm
Red Bud Mill (site of)
Heights and associated development would destroy the
(Opequon Inn)
Rutherford House (site of)
last remaining intact parcels of the infantry fighting at the
Collier Redoubt
Second Woods
battle of Opequon. According to county -approved plans,
Dinkle Barn (site of)
Seiver's Ford
construction would occupy most of the area south of
DuPont's Hill
Spout Spring (Wood House)
Redbud Run with more than 600 single family homes,
Eversole House (site of)
Star Fort
townhouses, and a commercial strip. A connector road
First Woods
Stephenson's Depot (site of)
would be pushed through from the north, separating
Greenwood Church
Stonewall Cemetery
Hackwood and DuPont's Hill. As of this writing, con-
Hackwood
Tanquery's Ford
struction has not begun and has been held up by financial
Hackwood Lane
Thomas McCann House
transactions.
Hasting's Monument
Valley Mill Farm
The Hackwood House and property (144 acres) was
Hoffmann House (site of'*-)
Valle, pike
recently offered for auction but the sale was postponed.
Huntsberry House (site of)
West Woods
This property could potentially be subdivided Regency
I. Wood House
Wood's Mill (site of-)
Lakes subdivision was built several years ago on southern
Jordan Springs
Wrighes Ford
portions of Middle Field and First Woods. Further phases
Locke's Ford
of housing development, if constructed, would cover the
last portion of Second Woods, "Rodes' Ravine," and
another segment of the First Woods. Star Fort itself is
owned by a Civil War reenactment group but the sur-
rounding 50 -acres is for sale and zoned commercial/
industrial.
The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Foundation, a local
preservation group, has negotiated to preserve a small
portion of the Second Woods area as a park if develop-
ment proceeds. The developer, Top of Virginia Corpora-
tion, has agreed to set aside 63 acres in the area adjacent to
Hackwood as a commemorative park A forty -acre parcel
of Middle Field next to Redbud Run is privately owned;
the owner has stated in the past that he will not develop it.
97
CML WAR STIES W THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA
TABLE 12
1991 LAND USE / LAND COVER
OPEQUON BATTLEFIELD
98
Study Area
Acres Percent
Core Area
Acres Percent
LAND USE / LAND COVER
Built-up Land
6,149.06
45.22
2,3$2.65
45.05
Agricultural Land
5,386.21
39.61
2,011.90
38.04
Forest Land
1,678.01
12.34
484.46
9.16
Unidentified Land Use / Land Cover
384.83
2.83
409.89
7.75
Total
13,598.1
100.00
5,288.90
100.00
GIS ASSESSMENT OF INTEGRITY
Retained Integrity
7,285.86
53.58
2,321.18
47.24
Lost Integrity
6,312.24
46.42
2,592.42
52.76
Level of Integrity
Fair
Poor
TABLE 12
1991 LAND USE / LAND COVER
OPEQUON BATTLEFIELD
98