M.A. Kleen

Follow in the footsteps of Union and Confederate soldiers at this hidden gem in Winchester, where two pivotal battles shaped the fate of the Shenandoah Valley and the course of the war.

Tucked along U.S. Route 11 just south of Winchester, Virginia, Kernstown Battlefield preserves the site of two significant engagements during the American Civil War. The first battle occurred on March 23, 1862, when Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson launched a bold attack against what he believed was a smaller Union force under Colonel Nathan Kimball.

In reality, Jackson was outnumbered and outgunned. Although the battle ended in a tactical defeat for the Confederates, it achieved a larger strategic purpose. The clash prompted President Abraham Lincoln to divert reinforcements to the Shenandoah Valley, relieving pressure on other fronts and extending the Confederate campaign in the region.

Two years later, on July 24, 1864, Kernstown was again the scene of combat during General Jubal Early’s aggressive Valley Campaign. This time, Confederate forces successfully drove back Major General George Crook’s Union army in a decisive victory. The Confederate win allowed Early to launch a northern raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania, culminating in the burning of Chambersburg and the Battle of Monocacy. The fields of Kernstown, then, saw both Confederate failure and success, marking it as a battlefield of evolving strategic consequence.

Today, the Kernstown Battlefield is a meticulously preserved historic site spanning over 300 acres. The preservation efforts began with the formation of the Kernstown Battlefield Association, which manages the land and interprets its history. Central to the site is the Pritchard-Grim Farm, including the 1854 farmhouse that served as a refuge during the fighting. The battlefield was added to the National Register of Historic Places in December 2024, recognizing its dual significance in both the 1862 and 1864 campaigns.

Visitors to Kernstown can walk the same ground where Union and Confederate soldiers clashed more than 160 years ago. The battlefield offers a peaceful, open landscape punctuated by interpretive signage and trails that guide guests through the lines of battle. The Pritchard House still stands and has been restored, with its cellar on display as a poignant reminder of the civilians who sought shelter during the bombardments. The Visitor Center, located within the farmhouse, contains maps, exhibits, and Civil War artifacts that bring the site’s history to life.

Additional highlights include the preserved stone wall along Sandy Ridge, where Union troops made a critical stand, and the surrounding land now connected to Rose Hill Park. Reenactments and living history events are regularly hosted on-site during the open season from mid-April through late October. These events, coupled with the site’s natural beauty, make Kernstown a compelling destination for historians and casual visitors alike.

To visit, head to 3050 Saratoga Drive in Winchester, where signs along Route 11 guide you to the entrance. The site is open Friday through Sunday during the warmer months, and while it remains peaceful today, the ground holds echoes of conflict, courage, and strategic consequence. Kernstown Battlefield is more than just a preserved landscape, it is a vital chapter in the broader story of the Civil War in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

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