Near Strasburg, Va., Oct. 14, 1864

The events of the Civil War near Strasburg, Virginia, on October 14, 1864, were significant in the history of the war. General Sheridan’s arrival boosted morale. The erroneous notion that the Union army instantly changed front, charged, and defeated the Confederate army upon Sheridan’s arrival was refuted. Instead, Sheridan spent several hours getting his demoralized battalions into shape before the advance. The men were cheered by Sheridan’s reassuring words, and his arrival sparked enthusiasm and wild cheering among the Union troops. The cavalry was sent out on either flank, while the infantry held the center. The Union troops met with desperate resistance from the Confederate army, but the men pressed forward with a power that was irresistible, resulting in the destruction of the last aggressive army of Virginia.

The First New York Dragoons, together with the Sixth and Ninth New York, were responsible for capturing most of the Confederate army’s artillery, ordinance, medical wagons, and ambulances. Custer’s division attempted to claim all the captures, leading to a contradiction from Merritt and Devin in special official reports. The battle was a significant victory for the Union army, and it had a profound impact on the outcome of the Civil War.