Page 53

(Manassas Gap)

Manassas Gap

July 23, 1863
Also known as: Wapping Heights
Warren County, VA
Campaign: Gettysburg Campaign (June-August 1863)

Maj. Gen. William H. French, USA
Maj. Gen. Richard Anderson, CSA

Each side got divisions into action.

There were only about 450 casualties.

After recrossing the Potomac River at Williamsport, Lee’s army withdrew up the Shenandoah Valley.  Meade crossed the Potomac east of the Blue Ridge 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 by forcing passage through Manassas Gap.  At first light, French began slowly pushing Walker’s Confederate brigade (Anderson’s division) back into the gap. About 4:30 pm, a strong Union attack drove Walker’s men until they were reinforced by Rodes’s 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.

Page 53

(Manassas Gap)