BATTLE // August 9, 1862
Battle of Cedar Mountain
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
Cedar Mountain opened the Northern Virginia Campaign on August 9, 1862, establishing an early Confederate advantage as Jackson's forces moved to block a Union advance into central Virginia. Banks attacked Jackson's column near Cedar Mountain in Culpeper County, Virginia, despite facing a force of 16,868 Confederate troops against his own 8,030. Though Union forces initially pressed hard enough to nearly drive the Confederates from the field, a Confederate counterattack broke the Union lines and secured a Confederate victory. Union casualties of 2,353 against Confederate losses of 1,338 reflected the cost of Banks's failed offensive effort. The battle demonstrated Jackson's ability to absorb an aggressive assault and respond decisively, setting the operational tone for the campaign that followed.
Tactics
Union forces under Banks attacked the Confederate column as it marched toward Culpeper Court House. After the Union assault initially pushed the Confederates back and nearly drove them from the field, Jackson's forces launched a counterattack that broke the Union lines and secured the Confederate position.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- United States8,030medium
- Confederate States16,868medium
Confederate States fielded a 2.1 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- United States2,353medium29% loss rate
- Confederate States1,338medium8% loss rate
Commanders (2)
Confederate States
United States
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6 sibling battles · 2 factions