Guard Hill Engagement J11 Virginia historical marker

Front Royal – Monuments and Markers – 1862 Valley Campaign

The Guard Hill Engagement Virginia historical marker was placed north of Front Royal, Virginia in 1999 by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. It is next to another state historical marker, Executions of Mosby’s Men and to a pair of Civil War Circle Tour markers on the Battle of Front Royal.

Guard Hill Engagement Virginia historical marker near Front Royal, Virginia

From the marker

J11
Guard Hill Engagement

In Aug. 1864, part of Confederate Lt. Gen. Richard H. Anderson’s corps threatened the left of Union Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan’s army. As Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt’s division approached on 15 Aug. to protect the Federal flank. Anderson ordered Brig. Gen. William T. Wofford’s infantry brigade and Brig. Gen. Williams C. Wickham’s cavalry brigade across the Shenandoah River to confront Merritt. Wickham was overwhelmed, however, on 16 Aug., and his troopers retreated toward Front Royal while Union Brig. Gen. George A. Custer’s brigade drove Wofford from Guard Hill. Sheriden then retired north to Charles Town W. Va.

Erected 1999 by Department of Historic Resources.

Location of the Guard Hill Engagement Virginia historical marker

The markers are north of Front Royal, north of the bridges over the Shenandoah River on the west side of Winchester Road (U.S. 340 & 522) just north of the intersection with Guard Hill Road/Riverton Road. (38°57’11.1″N 78°12’00.6″W)