Following the pivotal Battle of Cedar Creek, which largely concluded major combat in the Shenandoah Valley in October 1864, the strategic landscape shifted dramatically. Union Major General Philip Sheridan and Confederate General Jubal Early remained in the valley, but their respective commands were significantly reduced, with troops being recalled east to strengthen forces around Petersburg, Virginia. This redeployment set the stage for the crucial Sheridan Expedition to Petersburg.
While their larger armies moved, Sheridan was tasked with a critical mission, first intended to link up with Major General William T. Sherman’s army in the Carolinas Campaign. However, events would soon lead his formidable cavalry to a final confrontation with Early’s remnants before joining the siege at Petersburg, marking a significant phase in the war’s closing months.
The Lingering Conflict in the Shenandoah Valley
After the intense campaigns of 1864, the Shenandoah Valley, once a vibrant agricultural lifeline for the Confederacy, was largely devastated. Both Union and Confederate forces had suffered heavy losses, and the strategic imperative had shifted towards the decisive engagements around Richmond and Petersburg. General Early, with his depleted command, posed a minor but persistent threat, while General Sheridan’s command, though also reduced, still held significant tactical advantage. The recall of troops to Petersburg underscored the growing Union pressure on the Confederate capital and its vital supply lines.
Sheridan’s initial orders, issued in early 1865, directed him to lead his cavalry south, eventually to merge with Sherman’s forces. This move aimed to bring the combined weight of Union might to bear on the Carolinas, further squeezing the Confederacy. However, the path through Virginia held one last, albeit smaller, challenge: General Early.
The Battle of Waynesboro: Early’s Last Stand
On February 27, 1865, General Philip Sheridan, commanding two cavalry divisions, began his march from Winchester up the Shenandoah Valley towards Staunton, Virginia. His objective was clear: proceed south. However, intelligence regarding Jubal Early’s remaining forces at Waynesboro prompted a critical change of plans. Sheridan recognized the importance of neutralizing Early’s command to secure his rear and prevent any potential resurgence of Confederate activity in the valley.
Custer’s Advance and Early’s Fortifications
Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer’s division, having skirmished with Early’s troops for several days, was now integrated into Sheridan’s larger force. On March 2, Custer was ordered to advance towards Waynesboro, specifically to ascertain the enemy’s strength and position, and if possible, to destroy the railroad bridge over the South River. The march was arduous, hampered by heavy rain and thick mud, which slowed the Union advance considerably. Despite the challenging conditions, Custer’s men pressed on, driving off Confederate sentinels at Fishersville, just six miles from Waynesboro. Upon reaching the outskirts of the town, Custer discovered Early’s army dug in behind a series of what were described as “formidable line of earth-works,” indicative of their determination to hold their ground.
The Decisive Engagement and Confederate Collapse
After a brief but tense standoff, the Federal forces launched a swift and decisive attack. The Union assault skillfully rolled up Early’s right flank, effectively collapsing the Confederate defensive line. The ensuing rout was catastrophic for Early’s command; more than 1,500 Confederates were forced to surrender. Despite the overwhelming defeat and capture of the majority of his remaining men, General Early, along with approximately 15 members of his staff, managed to escape through Rockfish Gap, narrowly evading capture. This engagement at Waynesboro proved to be the final battle for General Jubal Early, effectively ending his military career and removing the last significant Confederate presence in the Shenandoah Valley. The Union victory came at an estimated total of 1,800 casualties for the Confederates, with Union losses being considerably smaller, highlighting the tactical efficiency of Sheridan’s forces.
From Waynesboro to Petersburg: A Pivotal Link
Although Major General Philip H. Sheridan did not arrive on the battlefield until after the main action at Waynesboro, the strategic victory was undeniably a result of his overall command and the execution of his orders. Following the battle, Sheridan and his triumphant troops continued their march, crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains to Charlottesville. From there, they conducted extensive raids southward, systematically destroying critical infrastructure. A notable target was the James River Canal locks near Goochland Court House, which represented a significant blow to Confederate logistics. This widespread destruction further crippled the Confederacy’s ability to supply its forces and move resources.
Ultimately, on March 26th, Sheridan’s powerful cavalry corps successfully joined forces with the main Army of the Potomac near Petersburg. This arrival of veteran, victorious cavalry was a monumental boost for Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant’s forces, who had been locked in a prolonged siege. Sheridan’s command immediately integrated into the Union lines, significantly strengthening the offensive capabilities on the flank and directly contributing to the opening stages of the critical Appomattox Campaign.
Conclusion: A Decisive Contribution to Victory
The Sheridan Expedition to Petersburg, culminating in the decisive victory at Waynesboro and the strategic junction with the Army of the Potomac, stands as a testament to General Philip Sheridan’s tactical prowess and the relentless pressure exerted by Union forces in the final months of the Civil War. By eliminating Jubal Early’s last remnant of an army, securing the Shenandoah Valley, and then rapidly deploying his formidable cavalry to the Petersburg front, Sheridan played an indispensable role. His actions not only removed a lingering threat but also provided the crucial mobile element needed to break the stalemate around Petersburg and effectively launch the Appomattox Campaign, which would lead directly to Robert E. Lee’s surrender. This expedition was not merely a military march; it was a strategically vital movement that significantly accelerated the end of the conflict, paving the way for Union victory and the reunification of the nation.
