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The Battle of Cedar Mountain, also known as Slaughter's Mountain or Cedar Run, took place on August 9, 1862, in Culpeper County, Virginia, as part of the Northern Virginia Campaign of the American Civil War.
[edit] Background
Maj. Gen. John Pope was placed in command of the newly constituted Union Army of Virginia on June 26. Gen. Robert E. Lee responded to Pope's dispositions by dispatching Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson with 14,000 men to Gordonsville in July. Jackson was later reinforced by Maj. Gen. A.P. Hill's division. In early August, Pope marched his forces south into Culpeper County with the objective of capturing the rail junction at Gordonsville.
[edit] Battle
On August 9, Jackson and Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks's corps tangled at Cedar Mountain with the Federals gaining an early advantage. With the Confederate left in danger of collapsing, Gen. Jackson rode to that part of the field to rally the men. Intending to inspire the troops there, Jackson attempted to brandish his sword; however, due to the infrequency with which he drew it, it had rusted in its scabbard and he was consequently unable to dislodge it. Undaunted, he waved the sword, scabbard and all, over his head.[1] A Confederate counterattack led by A.P. Hill repulsed the Federals and won the day. Confederate Brig. Gen. Charles S. Winder was killed. This battle shifted fighting in Virginia from the Virginia Peninsula to northern Virginia, giving Lee the initiative.
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