Women Soldiers at the Battles of Cloyd's Mountain and New River Bridge (Includes Video)

During the spring of 1864, the Federals launched a multi-prong offensive where they ultimately clashed with the Confederates at places such as the Wilderness in Virginia and multiple locations in and around Atlanta.  Another part of the offensive involved Brigadier General George Crook marching into southwestern Virginia in order to destroy the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad.  Confederates led by Brigadier General Albert G. Jenkins attempted to stop them on May 9th, 1864, at Cloyd's Mountain, located in Pulaski County. The battle was short and involved a small amount of troops on both sides, but the action was fierce and involved hand-to-hand fighting resulting in a high amount of casualties.  At the end, the Federals drove the Confederates from their works and turned their attention to the 700-foot-long railroad bridge that spanned the New River.

Piers from the railroad bridge spanning the New River
View is looking at the Federal position on the west side of the river
http://www.thomaslegion.net/battleofcloydsmountain.html

Women Soldiers at Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is best known for John Brown's raid in 1859.  The abolitionist attempted to seize the arsenal there and distribute the weapons to his followers in hopes of inciting a slave revolt.  U.S. Marines led by then Colonel Robert E. Lee stormed the engine house that Brown and his men had barricaded themselves in.  The abolitionist leader was captured, taken to Charles Town where he was tried and convicted of treason, and hanged.

Marker in Charles Town
Photo by Mark Hidlebaugh

Harpers Ferry 
Library of Congress

 Harpers Ferry is a lovely place to visit.  Mark and I have been there multiple times with the latest trip being a couple of months ago.  You can walk the scenic streets lined with period buildings that you can enter.  Inside, you will occasionally find interpreters in period clothing who will answer questions you may have.