Library of Congress
Tom's Brook
Woodstock Races
Shenandoah County, VA | Oct 9, 1864
After his victory over Maj. Gen. Jubal Early's Confederates at Fisher's Hill, Maj. Gen. Phil Sheridan conducted a two-week long scorched earth campaign in the Shenandoah Valley known as “The Burning.” As Sheridan’s army moved north destroying mills, barns and crops, they were pursued by Confederate cavalry. Union cavalry covered the rear of the column until Sheridan ordered an attack against the Confederates. In the resulting cavalry-on-cavalry battle on October 9, 1864, Union troopers routed Early's mounted arm, impairing its morale and efficiency for the remainder of the campaign. The hasty retreat of the Confederate cavalry was referred to by Valley residents as the "Woodstock Races."
Tom's Brook: Featured Resources
All battles of the Sheridan's Valley Campaign
Related Battles
Shenandoah County, VA | October 9, 1864
Result: Union Victory
Commanders
Union
Wesley MerrittConfederate
Thomas Lafayette RosserForces Engaged
9,800
Union
6,300
6,300
Confed.
3,500
3,500
Estimated Casualties
407
Union
57
57
Confed.
350
350