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HRAB 03-19-02 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK Department of Planning and Development 540/665-5651 FAY: 540/665-6395 MEMORANDUM TO: Historic Resources Advisory Board FROM: Rebecca Ragsdale, Planner I fiv-- RE: March Meeting Agenda DATE: March 14, 2002 The Frederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) will be meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 7:30 p.m., in the Board of Supervisors' Room*. Access to the room should only be from the back door that goes directly into the Board --Room of the Frederick County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. The H.RAB will discuss the following items: AGENDA Review of additional information related to the Battle of Rutherford's Farm, provided by Dr. Brandon Beck of the McCormick Civil War Institute at Shenandoah University. 2. Other. Please contact this office if you will not be able to attend this meeting. Thank you. *PLEASE NOTE NEW MEETING LOCATION! 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 Board Room. I would encourage committee members to park in the county parking lot located behind the new addition (accessible off of Cameron Street). 107 North Kent Street • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000 Rutlierford's Farm The Historical Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) discussed the Rutherford's Farm Industrial Park rezoning application at their June and July 2001 meetings. The results of the discussion were summarized in a letter to Mr. Mark Smith, who is representing the rezoning application. This HRAB comment letter is attached. Since the HRAB's review of the application, some new information has surfaced. Dr. Brandon Beck, of the McCormick Civil War: Institute at Shenandoah University has sent correspondence to the Winchester Star and the HRAB's chairperson regarding his new findings. Staff contacted Dr. Beck to learn more about the recent findings. While Dr. Beck is unable to attend the HRAB's March meeting, he has provided this new information to staff. This additional information is included in an attached manuscript, taken from the County Historical Society's new publication. Staff circulated this new information to HRAB members to see if the board's comments still adequately address the history of the site. Several members felt that this new information should be discussed at the HRAB's March meeting. The applicant will be in attendance at the meeting and available for questions. Also included in this agenda is information regarding Rutherford's Farm that was reviewed when the HRAB addressed the rezoning application in June and July. UACOMMITTEES\HRAB\Agendas\2002 Agendas\MarchAgendampd July 19, 2001 Mark Smith, P.E., L.S., President Greenway Engineering 151 Windy Dill Lane Winchester, Virginia 22602 RE: Rutherford's Farm Rezoning proposal Dear Mr. Smith: Depai imeni of P�aa Ging wid Development In 540/665-5651 FAX., 5401665�6395 The Frederick County Mstoric Resources Advisory Board (1 Ill O) considered the referenced proposal during their meeting ofJuly 17, 2001. This proposal involves the rezoning of approximately I44 acres from RA (Rural Areas) to B2 (Business General), B3 (industrial Transition), and Ml (Light Industrial) Zoning Districts. The subject properties are partially located within the limits of the Second Winchester study area, and are also within the Battle of Rutherford's Farm study area. Therefore, the ERAB has expressed concern for the loss of historic battlefields and the aesthetic qualities of the rural community in which these parcels are located._ In response to the BRAB's concerns, you presented a number of proffered condition concepts and indicated your willingness to incorporate the conditions with the formal rezoning application submittal. Specifically, you offered the following concepts: To establish a pull -off location for historical interpretation of the Second Battle of Winchester, the Battle ofRutherford's Farm, and the Rutherford Farm The interpretation area would contain historical markers and be maintained by the industrial Park Association. It was also stated that the marker design and textual content would be returned to the B RAB for review and approval. Maintain the visual rural community elements existing along Martinsburg Pike by providing linear landscaping. This landscaping along Martinsburg Pike would include combinations of three-foot high evergreen hedges and berms, and mass clustering of tree and shrub plantings. The landscaping is intended to retain the natural feel of the rural community and utilize native vegetation including red buds, oaks, and cedars. A combination ofhedges, berms, and tree clusters would be implemented to lessen the visual impact of the proposed development. Page 2 Mark Smith, P.E., L.S., President, Greenway Engineering Re: Rutherford's Farm July 19, 2001 Establish a link to the property's history by naming the development after the Rutherford's Farm. The 1•-l1LAB felt the rezoning proposal would be more palatable for the historic preservation community, if the above identified concepts were included in the rezoning application's proffer statement. Please contact me with any questions concerning these comments from the Frederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board. Erie - Lawrence, AICP Deputy Director ERL/kac cc: Dr. Richard R Duncan, 5101 Edsall Road, Apt 1802, Aletandria, VA 22304-6009 Mr. StephenL. Pettler, Jr., Harrison & Johnston, 21 So. Loudoun St., Winchester, VA 22601 Mr. R. J. Turner, Adams -Nelson & Assoc., 303 So. Loudoun St., Winchester, VA 22501 U.-T,j,\CommmVIRABUZWherfordFmm_T RM.R eWdatiM.wpd 126689 Civil War Battles.gxd 12/13/012"2 Ai4 Page 18 I I 18 THE ENGAGEMENT AT RUTHERFORDS FAWA July 20, 1864 In the first weeks of June, 1864, the;.,War in Virginia took a decisive turn. Far from "fighting it out ons&e line if it takes all summer," General U. S. Grant, commanding the Army of the Potomac, concluded that he could not break Lee's lines north and east of Richmond. Therefore on C June J3, he began his crossing of the James River, intending to attack Richmond from the south. General Lee, meariEE, concerned for the safety of Lynchburg and his, railroad communications with the Shenandoah Valley, used a lull insf ghting after his victory at Cold Harbor to send the sadly depleted Second Corps of his Army — the Old Valley Army — under General Jubal Early west to Lynchburg and then down the Valley. It was Lee's hope that Early would repeat the great diversionary strategy he and Jackson had employed in 1862. Early's Valley Campaign was, initially, a great success. Early saved Lynchburg from capture, driving Union General David Hunter's force away to the west. Early then turned north, down the ValleC,,toward. Winchester and beyond to the Potomac. The Confederates threatened Washington itself, driving to within 6 miles of the Capitol Dome on July before prudently pulling back. The diversion was successful — Early's successes compelled Grant to send forces west, toward Washington and the Valley. 1' Early began his retreat from Washington on July Maiming for Berryville. On July 16 he turned on his pursuers, driving them back across the Shenandoah River with heavy losses at the Battle of Cool Spring. There was also Federal pursuit from the direction of Martinsburg. There, General W. W. Averell, commanding a mixed force of about 2300 infantry and cavalry, was probing in the direction of Bunker Hill. Learning from his pickets that the Confederates were in Berryville, Averell marched south on the morning of July 19. Also on that day, Early ordered Major General Stephen Ramseur's division to Winchester, behind a r�screen€3f 'avaltp [h�cvn-ett i l trecwn of Bunker HiII. Ramseur and Averell collided on July 20 just north of town, at Rutherford's (some- times called Carter's) Yarm. The ensuing engagement ended in a complete Union victory that did no credit either to Ramseur or his cavalry commanders_ The cavalry undoubtedly gave Ramseur an uiic"a _d� impression of the size of the force bearing down on them, but the infantry was badly placed and easily flanked from the north. For the first time in theyar in the Lower Valley, -4-- 26689 Civil War Battles-qxd 12/13/01 22 AM Page 19 19 a Confederate force had been defeated and driven back in disorder. There was no pursuit. The reaction in the Southern newspaper press was a combination of shock and anger. Ramseur, mortified, steeled himself and his men to redeem themselves, a challenge they met and exceeded in the following battles. Nevertheless, the engagement revealed two weaknesses in Early's forces- the wom down state of his cavalry and the predictable results of a groOg shortage of experienced general officers. 26689 Civil War Battles.gxd 12/13/01 22 AM Page 20 OPPOSING FORCES AT RU HERFORD'S FARM l xly Ao, 1 tr(.4 Confederate RamseuP Division Johnstons Brigade Qohnston)) 5th North Carolina 12th North Carolina 20th North Carolina 23rd North Carolina 1st Battalion Sharpshooters Lewarigade (Lewis) 6th North Carolina 21st North Carolina 54th North Carolina 57th North Carolina t Union l S�GC»n d- Division C �v2.re.[ � J erell's Infantry Col. Isaac Duval's Brigade valry lst West Virginia 2nd West Virginia 3rd West Virginia 14th Pennsylvania diery 1st West Virginia 1 st Ohio � L►1 �y'S y's ngadey} rh Virginia 3 1st Virginia 49th Virginia 52nd Virginia 58th Virginia 126689 Civil War Hattles.ccd 12/13/01 22 AM Page 21 21 Casualties Engagement at Rutherford's Farm Union NI -L 53 killed 5 155 wounded 6 missing b� Confederate (according to General Averell) 73 killed �o�eJs 130 wounded 267 captured t f9 f ` O .Ruther s Farm by Mark Lemasters On the sweltering afternoon of July 20, 1864, the calm countryside just north of Winchester where Route I-81 now ildiersects Route 11 was split by the rumbling of cannon and ttie roar of muskets. The Battle of Rutherford's Farm devel- oped into a rout which Confederate Division Commander ,Stephen Dodson Ramseur would never forget. Jubal Early's army had just returned from their invasion through Maryland to Washington, D. C. and were taking a x;11 -earned rest at Berryville. Federal cavalry raids showed Early that Berryville would not be a good strategic position to defend — it had too many roads to monitor. He began to thdraw his supplies, sick and wounded through White Post and Newtown. Upon learning that a Federal force under General William W. Averell was coming up the Valley from Iviartinsburg, Early sent Ramseur and his division to remove his supplies and wounded from Winchester. While seeing to these tasks Ramseur sent Brigadier r General John C. Vaughn's newly remounted cavalry, with -'+ .:; contingents from Colonel John D. Imboden, Colonel William _., :L;.Jackson and Charolette County, Va., to scout north along .=:the Martinsburg Turnpike. About noon Vaughn requested a ,battery of cannon to dispel a regiment of cavalry and one of infantry he had encountered, and promptly received four guns. Two hours later he requested that Ramseur set up an ambush for the Federals, which he would draw in, but this idea was rejected as unfeasible due to the terrain. " Ramseur had the supplies loaded and ready to leave and seemed to be going well, but before he could recall _-atighn's force, the sound of musketry came from the north. ' Itescalated and he immediately marched his division down the pike toward the action. He met Vaughn, retreating, who insisted that the opposing force was small. It was Averell, but instead of just two regiments he had his entire division and `:. ey were looking for a fight. Averell posted the 34th and 91st Ohio Infantries and the 9th and 14th West Virginia Infantries of Isaac H. Duval's brigade across the pike with cavalry on each flank, keeping none in reserve. Ramseur, still unaware of the size of the Union force, threw out a line of skirmishers and placed Colonel Robert D. Johnston -'s brigade east of the pike, Colo - Rel William G. Lewis' and Hoke's Brigade west of it. He kept Pegram's brigade (under General Robert D. Lilly) on the pike in reserve. When Ramseur saw three large Union regiments east of the pike he shifted Lewis' brigade east and was about io attack with Johnson's brigade. 4' TheStory of? Frederick --' County Chapter Averell saw that after the shift his blue line overlapped the gray on the west by 200 yards. He immediately ordered a cavalry flank attack there and massed attacks all along the front. The Union attack was so vigorous that Hoke's two regiments of hard, seasoned veterans broke and "ran like sheep." Fear rippled down the Confederate line and regiment after regiment sprinted to the rear. Ramseur tried everything humanly possible to stem the tide, exposing himself reck- lessly to enemy fire, but he pushed in Lilly's reserves too slowly, and too late. Ramseur'. s line wasn't restored and able to hold until his forcereachedWinchester and the Confederate cavalrycounter- attacked. The Federals pulled back two miles and camped for the night, waiting until the next day to pursue. Casualties were light, considering the action. Ramseur lost 470 men including General Lilly captured and Colonel Board of the 58th Vir- ginia Infantry killed, and the four cannons. Averell's smaller Union force lost less than 350, even though he was the aggressor. General Ramseur's battle reputation was the biggest loss of the day _ the Richmond newspapers feasted on this reverse. The inquirer and Ile Sentinelbothcalled itanutter defeat and .. inflamed public sentiment against him, but the majority of his officers supported him. It would not be long before he recovered his reputation as a commander at the Second Battle of Kernstown and the Third Battle of Winchester. The author, Mant D. Lemasters, is a Civil War history buff and reenactor. He "swam the Ohio River in '61 " and enlisted in the 2rd Loyal Virginia Cavaby, presently serving in the Second Brigade, Averell's Cavalry. Chapter 38 Rutherford's Farm o The Story of Frederick County Q: What suddenly strengthened the Union cavalry in the Valley in July, 1864? A: General Phillip Sheridan and several veteran Federal cav- alry divisions had been sent to the Valley. General W. W. Averell had been assigned to reorganize the Union cavalry in western Virginia into a new corps, which he did very effectively. Q: How did the Union manage to reclaim a portionofthe spoils of war which General Jubal A. Early's Confederate army had captured in his Maryland invasion? A: At Snickers Gap on Saturday, July 16, 1864, a Federal cavalry raid seized 117 mules, 82 wagons and 62 prisoners which Early had brought back from across the Potomac River. Q: After General Stephen D. Ramreur's reverse at Ruther- ford's Farm, a touching story spread about one of the Confederate angelsofinercy.Whatwasthisstory which soquickly became a local Legend? A: Residents searched the battlefields as soon as the armies left, because many of the casualties would be the loved ones of local families. Here they found aRebel soldier so badly wounded that they feared he would bleed to death if he was moved, so Miss Matilda (Tilley) Russell sat all night cradling his head. Her reward was a swollen arm, a fever and a young man's life. You can imagine the attention Lt. Randolph Ridgeley got while recuperating in Winchester. Q: lntheBattle ofRutherford s Farm, Union GeneralAverelrs divisionforcedConfederate General StephenD. Ramseur's division to retreat into Winchester. Jubal Early's Confederate force from Berryville joined Ramseur there. Together, why didn't they try to thrash Averell? A- Early was being followed on the Berryville pike by Union General Horatio G. Wright with a powerful Federal force, so the Confederates had to withdraw further south. Q: Many Confederate officers in General Stephen D. Ram- seur's command were captured by Union General W. W. Averell at the Battle of Rutherford's Farm. How did Ramseur recover most of them? A: Four days later on July 20, 1864, Jubal Early and Ramseur routed Union General George Crook's army at the Second Battle of Kernstown. The Union army fled through Winchester to Bunker Hill, abandoning some of its prisoners and destroying several wagons of equipment. Q: What other Civil War battlefield location is often confused with the site of the Battle ofRutherfords Farm (which is sometimes called the Battle of Stephenson's Depot)? A: Many people mistake Carter's Farm, located along Route 11 opposite the Charles Town road, for Rutherford's Farm. Carter's Farm was the site of the capture of most of General Milroy's 7000 Union troops after the Second Battle of Winchester. _ UNION -_:3? CONFEDERATE CIVIL'01AR SITES IN THE SHENAiNDOA 1 VALLEY OF VIRGINLA, SECONDNVINCIUSTER (13-15 JUNE 1863) 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. RobertMilroy. 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 71 Virginia ever did." The battle was won by deft flanking maneuvers and underscores the inadequacy of relying on entrenchments when confronted by a mobile attacking force. 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. Jubal 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 Ely's 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 Kemstown 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 the field had quieted, and the US forces believed that the Confederates had been repulsed from Winchester. 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. 72 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 CIVIL WAR SITES HN THE SHENAN-NOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINLA 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 raptured and missing. Milroy, of course, played down his losses.) CURRENT CONDMON OF TAE BATTLEFDRD 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: Pritchard's Hill, Apple Pie Ridge and West Fort, and Stephenson's Depot The parcel of ground at Pritchares 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 duririg 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 Early's flank march. PERCEPTION OF THREATS TO BAT== 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- ciallbusiness 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 Egli density residential development Johnson's position CML WAR SITES IN TIHE 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 SITES 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 Negative no(s).. 10082�� LANDMARKS COMMISSION SURVEY FORM Historic name Rutherford's Farm County/Town/City Rural County ctre,et nddress or route number Rt. 11N USGS Quad Winchester Original owner Original use Present owner Present owner address Present use Acreage Common name Rutherford's Farm Date or period July 20, 1864 Architect/builder/craftsmen Source of name Source of date Stories Foundation and wall const'n Roof State condition of structure and environs The main house of Rutherford's Farm was demolished. State potential threats to structure The site is threatened by development. Note any archaeological interest Sliould be investigated for possible register potential? yes —. no __X_ Architectural description (Note significant features of plan, structural system and interior and exterior decoration, taking care to point out aspects not visible or clear from photographs. Explain nature and period of all alterations and additions. List any outbuildings and their approximate ages, cemeteries, etc.) All that remains of the house at Rutherford's house is a set of concrete steps that lead from Rt. 11 up to the site of the -house (see photos). There is a historical marker south of the site of the house on. Rt. 11 identifying it. S�� i_;:.: :.