As Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederates move back east, he receives a message from Robert E. Lee giving him free rein to operate against the Federals in the Shenandoah Valley, and even threaten Washington.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
As Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederates move back east, he receives a message from Robert E. Lee giving him free rein to operate against the Federals in the Shenandoah Valley, and even threaten Washington.
A fight for possession of a key hill results in a Federal withdrawal and a Confederates seizure of the military initiative in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
“Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederates move east to join forces with another Confederate army and confront a detachment of John C. Fremont’s Federals in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln end their Chicago trip and head back home to Springfield.
June 15, 1863 – The vanguard of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia attacked the supposedly impregnable Federal defenses at Winchester, precipitating a Federal disaster.
June 12, 1863 – Part of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia drove toward Winchester on its way to the Potomac River and the North.