The Civil War at 150 - The Shenandoah Valley Campaign

Confederates under Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson wreaked havoc in Virginia's fertile Shenandoah Valley. He confused a Federal force at Harrisonburg, then advanced on Federals at McDowell. Jackson repulsed a Federal attack, and his troops gained a fearful reputation in the North. His soldiers were nicknamed the "foot cavalry" because of their rapid movement on foot.

Jackson moved north and defeated Federals at Front Royal, then continued northward. Jackson's victories alarmed the Lincoln administration, which feared that he may even attack Washington. After Jackson defeated Federals at Winchester, more Federal troops were sent to cut Jackson's line of retreat in the valley. When Jackson learned of this, he hurried back south to avoid the trap that the Federals tried to set for him. Jackson's escape infuriated President Lincoln and made the name "Stonewall" legendary in the South. Jackson's exploits greatly boosted Confederate morale.