White Post, Va., Aug. 10, 1864
The Battle of White Post, also known as the Battle of Newtown, was a significant engagement that took place on August 10, 1864, during the American Civil War. The battle occurred near the town of White Post, Virginia, and was part of a larger effort by Union forces to capture Confederate-held positions in the Shenandoah Valley.
The Union army, under the command of Major General Philip Sheridan, had been pursuing Confederate General Jubal Early’s army through the valley since July. After several smaller skirmishes and engagements, the two armies met at White Post on August 10.
The battle began with a Confederate assault on the Union position, which was repulsed with heavy losses. The Union forces counterattacked and were able to gain the advantage, causing the Confederate army to retreat. The Union victory at White Post was significant in that it disrupted Early’s plans to launch an invasion of Maryland and threatened Confederate control of the Shenandoah Valley.
The Battle of White Post resulted in approximately 1,300 casualties, with the Union army suffering fewer losses than the Confederates. The Union victory at White Post, combined with other successes in the Shenandoah Valley, helped to bolster Union morale and set the stage for further Union victories in the region.