Kearneyville, Va., Aug. 25, 1864
The Battle of Kearneysville, also known as the Battle of Berryville, was fought on August 25, 1864, during the American Civil War. The battle was part of a larger campaign in the Shenandoah Valley and saw Union forces under the command of Major General Philip Sheridan engage Confederate forces under the command of Lieutenant General Jubal Early.
Sheridan’s forces had been pursuing Early’s army for several weeks, but had been unable to inflict a decisive defeat. The Battle of Kearneysville was a minor engagement in the larger campaign, but it did result in a Union victory.
The battle began with a Union cavalry charge against Confederate cavalry that was stationed near the town of Berryville. The Confederates were quickly overwhelmed, and many were taken prisoner. The Union cavalry then moved on to Kearneysville, where they encountered a larger Confederate force.
Despite being outnumbered, the Union cavalry was able to hold their ground and inflict heavy casualties on the Confederates. The Confederates eventually withdrew, and the Union forces held the field.
The Battle of Kearneysville was a relatively minor engagement, but it did provide a much-needed victory for the Union army in the Shenandoah Valley campaign. It also demonstrated the effectiveness of Union cavalry under the leadership of officers such as Brigadier General Wesley Merritt.
Overall, the Battle of Kearneysville was a small but significant moment in the larger Shenandoah Valley campaign. It demonstrated the Union army’s ability to win engagements and helped set the stage for further Union victories in the region.