Action at Mill Creek

A-71

Union Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan began “The Burning” of crops, barns, and mills in the Shenandoah Valley after defeating Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early at the Battle of Fisher's Hill on 21-22 Sept. 1864. On 6 Oct., Sheridan’s army began moving northward. His westernmost column, under Brig. Gen. George A. Custer, crossed Mill Creek here on 7 Oct. Cavalrymen under Confederate Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Rosser charged Custer’s rear guard near the creek, attacking directly across the ford and from the flank. Forcing a Union withdrawal, they captured equipment, livestock, and about 50 men. Confederate Capt. Hugh R. T. Koontz, a local resident, was killed and was buried in Mt. Jackson.

Department of Historic Resources, 2025

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References/Bibliographic Citation:

The Union Army: A History of Military Affairs in the Loyal States 1861-1865; Records of the Regiments in the Union Army Cyclopedia of Battles, Memoirs of Commanders and Soldiers, 8 vols. Madison: Federal Publishing 1908, vol. 5. Rev. Louis N. Boudrye, Historic Records of the 5th Cavalry, 2nd ed. Albany: SR Gray, 1865, pp. 176, 358 W. N. Pickerill, Third Indiana Cavalry, Indianapolis: 1906, p. 167. History of the Eighteenth Regiment of Cavalry, Pennsylvania Volunteers. Commission of the Regiment: NY, 1909. George Greenville, Vermont in the Civil War, Burlington, VT: Free Press Association, 1888, p. 660-661 George Baylor, Bull Run to Bull Run, 1900. O.R. Series I, Volume XLIII/1, Report of Lieutenant Col. John W. Bennett, First Vermont Cavalry, of operations September 25-October 22, p. 544-545. Captain William McDonald, The Laurel Brigade, 1907.