Mort Kunstler's June Civil War Calendar: Race Down Chester Street

From the June page of the Civil War Calendar.

GEN. JACKSON AT FRONT ROYAL, MAY 23, 1862

One of the most heralded campaigns in American military history remains General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862.

One of the most pivotal engagements of that campaign took place in Front Royal, Virginia, where Jackson's troops were not only able to divide, but also to rout a much larger Union force.  he was then able to push his enemy's withdrawal even further by striking at its flank and threatening its rear formation.

Many experts believe that this move led directly to the defeat of Union Major General Nathaniel P. Banks' army at the First Battle of Winchester, two days later on May 25th.

After relieving the town of Winchester from the threat of Federal occupation, Jackson rested his men in preparation for a series of victories that were still to come.

The picture shows Jackson and his staff riding their horses down the street with several of them with their pistols held up in the air as well as foot soldiers running alongside them.  It must have rained recently as the street is muddy and clods of mud are being thrown up.  Townspeople are watching from the sides of the street.

Old Secesh