The Civil War--Battle of Cool Spring

Replaced entire stamp and box 1/23/06. PLEASE BE DISCREET when retreiving this box. If there are people fishing by the pull off then leave this box for another day. There are other boxes in this areawithin a 15 minute drive or less.

This letterbox is part of an ongoing project to revive attention to history of the Civil War, or War Between the States, depending on where you are from. The letterboxes will strive to tell of the many struggles, both large and small, from that horrific conflict.

BACKGROUND: In the Summer of 1864, Confederate Lt. General Jubal Early launched a campaign to assault Washington DC in an attempt to alleviate pressure on troops protecting Richmond. In response, the Union diverted seasoned veterans to Washington to thwart that attack. Early fell back to the Shenandoah Valley with Union General Horatio Wright in pursuit. On July 17th, Elements of 3 US corps caught up with Early's rear guard at Snicker's Gap at the Shenandoah River near Berryville Va. On July 18th, Union infantry belonging to Col. Joseph Thoburn's Division of Brig. general Crooks Corps, forced a crossing of the Shenandoah at Castleman's Ferry, and gained control of Cool Spring Farm where they were stopped by Confederate Major general John B. Gordon's division. Thoburn's troops did not receive reinforcements as promised and were forced to withdraw. Thoburn's troops held off 3 assaults by confederate infantry until they were able to recross the river at nightfall. The majority of casualties were sustained for the fight for Cool Spring Farm. Today it is a Monastery.
The confederates suffered over 300 casualties, but bought precious time for Early's army to regroup and fall back into the valley. The Union suffered over 400 casualties and their chance to subdue early's force.

Directions: From Leesburg Va., head west towards Winchester. Continue past Round Hill and Bluemont until you cross the bridge ovewr the Shenandoah River. Take the first right past the bridge onto Castleman's Rd. You will see a kiosk on the right describing the fight and your location to it. Please take the time to read this.

Clues: From the Kiosk drive down the road a short way as it bends around to the left. A guard rail will be on your right. Just past the end of the guardrail, you will see a small stone shack on the left. From the end of the guard rail, drive 0.1 miles further to the second pull off on the right. Park here. There will be a few cement/cinder block steps down toward the river. Standing at the top of the steps, turn all the way around to the field behind you. Look for thr group of trees that are heavily vine covered. The box is behind ththese trees. Though the majority of the vines are harmless, there is some poison ivy growing up some of the trees. This spot should offer you a chance to check for cars before crossing the get the box. Once you have found the box, bring it back to your car to stamp in, or you can stamp in by the river if no one is around. Please let me know how this box is doing. Safe trails!
Koyote

Hike Length: 0.1 miles