Existing comment:
The Battle of Hanging Rock
a Union Retreat Disrupted
On June 21, 1864, following two days of fighting at Lynchburg, Confederate General Robert Ransom's cavalry, pursuing Union General David Hunter's retreating column, engaged in a conflict that would ultimately become known as the Battle of Hanging Rock.
Hunter, fearing an assault by forces of Confederate general Jubal A. Early after the Union defeat at Lynchburg, withdrew toward New Castle. His troops followed the Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike.
Early sent his army in pursuit. He ordered Ransom to lead his cavalry over in the Peaks of Otter to Buchanan, then to Salem on the Great Road (modern Route 11).
Hunter's retreating forces included a wagon train of ambulances and supply wagons as well as artillery and munitions. The narrow gap between steep bluffs at Hanging Rock delayed the column, creating a prime opportunity for Confederate attack. On the morning of June 21, Confederate General John McCausland's cavalry spotted the stalled Union artillery.
Early his infantry had not caught up with Hunter's Army, so Ransom set McCausland with only a portion of his cavalry to strike the Union column. The Union guns and wagons sustained heavy damage; wheels were torn away, cannon trunnions broken, and limbers pushed into Mason Creek.
McCausland's troops burned ammunition wagons, killed and captured horses, confiscated guns, and took prisoners. Finally, Union cavalry and infantry reinforcements arrived. McCausland was forced to abandon the gap, allowing Hunter to continue his retreat. |