Stephenson Depot: "The Thermoplae of My Campaign"

History: When Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee marched north through the Shenandoah Valley to invade Maryland in 1863, Union General Robert Milroy's division stood in his way at Winchester. Lee appointed General Edward "Alleghany" Johnson to attack Winchester on June 14. Milroy feared being surrounded, so he planned and executed a retreat during the night to head toward Harper's Ferry. This was anticipated by Johnson and General Richard S. Ewell, his 2nd Corp commander, so they blocked the escape route. The Confederates placed their units in positions that proved devastating for Milroy. Milroy escaped, but nearly half of his troops were not so lucky. Robert E Lee marched across the Potomac River into Maryland with his newly captured cannons and supplies.

More to Explore: See www.virginia.org and www.civilwartraveler.com for exciting things to see and do on your travels.

Photo Credits:

1. “Photograph of Confederate General Richard S. Ewell.”
2. “Photograph of Union General Robert Huston Milroy.” Photos courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.