Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Efforts are now underway to preserve more of the Cedar Mountain Battlefield where Confederate General Stonewall Jackson solidified his legend but turning defeat into victory 150 years ago.
There were over 3,700 killed or wounded on both sides of the civil war battle on Aug. 9, 1862, which was a prelude to much larger the Second battle of Manassas later in the month.
About 150 acres of the battlefield has already been preserved and now the Civil War Trust is seeking $120,000 in private donations to buy another six acres.
“It is the last remaining quadrant corner of the intersection that was known as Crittenden’s Gate, which was ground zero for that battle,” says Mary Koik from the Civil War Trust.
During the battle, Union forces under the command of Major General John Pope marched into Culpeper County to confront Jackson.
The Federals had the battle in hand until Jackson manned a cannon and rallied his troops to victory.
Some historians say that this battle was the only time Jackson tried to unsheathe his sword. It was rusted to the scabbard so he raised the scabbard too.
There are a series of events this week leading up to the 150th anniversary of the battle.
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