Upperville: Drama at Vineyard Hill

History: The Battle of Upperville occurred on June 21, 1863, in an area referred to as Vineyard Hill where 10,000 soldiers engaged in combat. This particular day was the fifth day of attack and counter attack by the Union and Confederate forces within the surrounding towns of Middleburg, Aldie, and Upperville along U.S. 50. Union commander Alfred Pleasonton pushed westward to the Blue Ridge Mountains, while Confederate General J.E.B Stuart fought to delay the Union, so to disguise Robert E. Lee's escape into the Shenandoah Valley toward Pennsylvania. Stuart aimed to thwart Union takeover of Upperville to allow his forces to reach the Blue Ridge Mountains at Ashby's Gap. The fighting was fierce, but the Confederates reached Ashby's Gap and Stuart ordered the last of his men to abandon Vineyard Hill.

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Photo Credits:

1. "Battle near Upperville. Ashbys Gap in Distance."
2. "Photograph of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart." Prints courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.