The Civil War-- Action at Rutherford's Farm

The Battle of Rutherford's Farm (also known as Carter's Farm and Stephenson's Depot) was a minor engagement on July 20, 1864, in Frederick County, Virginia during the American Civil War. It was a part of Confederate General Jubal Early’s Raid and Operations against the B&O Railroad (June-August 1864).

On July 20, Brig. Gen. William W. Averell’s Union division attacked Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Ramseur’s Confederate division at Rutherford’s and Carter’s farms. This sudden assault came in on the flank of Hoke’s brigade as it was deploying, throwing it into a panic. Ramseur retreated toward Winchester in confusion. Averell captured four pieces of artillery and nearly 300 men. With this defeat, Early withdrew his army south to a defensive position at Fisher’s Hill, south of Strasburg.

Nearly 5,850 men contested the farm fields, with 1,100 casualties reported.

Pvt. John Shanes, Company K, 14th West Virginia Infantry, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the fighting near Carter's Farm, where he "charged upon a Confederate fieldpiece in advance of his comrades and by his individual exertions silenced the piece."-- Taken from Wikipedia.org

NOTES: This was the closest I could get to the actual battlefield site without crossing into private property. It shows how we are losing the grounds that so many fought and died for. We can't stop the loss of lands, but hopefully this will help keep the history from being forgotten. No ink. Use black or color of choice.

Directions. From Virginia historical marker A-2, travel approx. 1.5 miles north. Take a right following the " Civil War Trails" signs on to Old Charlestown Rd. Go 0.3 miles and take aright onto Milburn Rd. Look for the 2 civil war interpretive signs on the right and pull into the pull off next to them. read the signs about the battles of 3rd Winchester and Stephenson's Depot. Lt. Colonel Snowden Andrews marks where the box is. From his picture, walk 60 steps in the direction related to the picture. The box is at the base of a tree to the left of the yellow "POSTED" sign. Retrieve the box, stamp in in your car and ponder the battle that raged around you. Be discreet, please, and rehide carefully. Safe trails!
Koyote