Battle of Manassas Gap

Battle of Manassas Gap
ConflictAmerican Civil War
DateJuly 23, 1863
PlaceWarren County, Virginia
ResultInconclusive
Combatants
United States of America Confederate States of America
Commanders
William H. French Richard H. Anderson
Strength
Divisions Divisions
Casualties
440 total (US and CS) 440 total (US and CS)
Gettysburg Campaign
Brandy StationWinchester IIAldieMiddleburgUppervilleHanoverGettysburgWilliamsportBoonsboroManassas Gap

The Battle of Manassas Gap, also known as the Battle of Wapping Heights, took place on July 23, 1863, in Warren County, Virginia as part of the Gettysburg Campaign of the American Civil War.

After retreating across the Potomac River at Williamsport, Maryland, Lee’s army withdrew up the Shenandoah Valley. George G. Meade's Army of the Potomac crossed the river east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and followed Lee into Virginia. On July 23, Meade ordered the III Corps, under Maj. Gen. William. H. French, to cut off the retreating Confederate columns at Front Royal, Virginia, by forcing passage through Manassas Gap. At first light, French began slowly pushing Walker’s Confederate brigade (Richard H. Anderson’s division) back into the gap. About 4:30 pm, a strong Union attack drove Walker’s men until they were reinforced by Robert E. Rodes’ division and artillery. By dusk, the poorly coordinated Union attacks were abandoned. During the night, Confederate forces withdrew into the Luray Valley. On July 24, the Union army occupied Front Royal, but Lee’s army was safely beyond pursuit.

Source

See also: Battle of Manassas Gap, 1863, American Civil War, Army of the Potomac, Battle of Aldie, Battle of Boonsboro, Battle of Brandy Station