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The Battle of Piedmont was one of the early battles in the Valley Campaigns of 1864. Following Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel's defeat at New Market on May 15, 1864, Union forces under Maj. Gen. David Hunter again advanced up the Shenandoah Valley toward the critical rail facilities at Staunton, Virginia. They were met on June 5 by the Confederate forces of Brig. Gen. William E. "Grumble" Jones on the road from Port Republic to Staunton at the village of Piedmont.
Scouting cavalry faced artillery fire on the morning of June 5. Union forces were emplaced, and return artillery fire silenced the Confederate cannon. An afternoon assault by the Union forces was repelled and the Confederate counterattack was flanked by reserve forces, falling into disarray. The next day, Hunter's army took Staunton without resistance and there was joined by Brig. Gen. George Crook's Army from West Virginia to continue the assault up the valley.
Union forces totaled 7,800 and Confederate forces 5,600. There were 863 Union casualties, including 165 dead and 1,488 Confederate casualties, including 142 dead. Nine hundred thirty-four Confederate prisoners were taken, including 60 officers. General Jones was killed attempting to lead a last gasp countercharge.
[edit] References
- Patchan, Scott C., The Battle of Piedmont, Virginia, Sgt. Kirkland's Press, Fredericksburg, 1996.
