The Battle of Cedar Creek: Victory from the Jaws of Defeat

by Jonathan A. Noyalas

Nestled between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains , Virginia's Shenandoah Valley enjoyed tremendous prosperity before the Civil War .
This valuable stretch of land--called the Breadbasket of the Confederacy due to its rich soil and ample harvests--became the source of many conflicts between the Confederate and Union armies. Of the thirteen major battles fought here, none was more influential than the Battle of Cedar Creek . On October 19, 1864, General Philip Sheridan's Union troops finally gained control of the valley, which eliminated the Shenandoah as a supply source for Confederate forces in Virginia, ended the valley's role as a diversionary theater of war and stopped its use as an avenue of invasion into the North. Civil War historian, preservationist, and author Jonathan A. Noyalas explains the battle and how it aided Abraham Lincoln's reelection campaign and defined Sheridan's enduring legacy.

Genres: American Civil War

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Peter Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty brief overview of not a major battle but maybe a somewhat significant one as it was a Union victory in the Shenandoah Valley where the Confederates had previously been pretty much unbeatable. Considering the battle happened in the span of less than one day, there's not much to go over tactically (Confederates strike early with success, Union retaliates in force and drives them out), but there's a lot of detail about what happened after. The battle maybe became bigger in its aftermath than it actually was due to political forces seeking a morale boost before the election. It also burnished the reputation of Philip Sheridan maybe more than he thought he deserved. Nevertheless, it's an interesting piece of the Civil War story.

[Richard Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Concise History

This short history of Cedar Creek covers the Battle very well and does it justice. There are extensive notes and plenty of opportunities for a reader to follow-up.

[W. Charles Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction to the topic of Cedar Creek.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to describe this short (but thorough) history of the battle and its aftermath as "workmanlike" --- functional but not particularly notable or inspiring.

[Mark Ely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Wonderful the many quotes from the people who were there. Careful review of several controversies. Interesting the veterans reunions and hagiography of Sheridan's ride.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, well written book about the 1864 battle.