Today in History:

Smithfield Crossing

Battle Name: Smithfield Crossing
Other Names: None
State: West Virginia
Location: Jefferson County and Berkeley County
Campaign: Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign (August-December 1864)
Dates: August 25-29, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt [US]; Lt. Gen. Jubal Early [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 300 total
Description: On August 29, two Confederate infantry divisions crossed Opequon Creek at Smithfield and forced back Merritt’s Union cavalry division back along the road to Charles Town. Ricketts’s infantry division was brought up to stop the Confederate advance.
Results: Inconclusive

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