Local Park, Cedar Creek Battlefield

Here it is September already! August passed quickly, and without the scorching hot days that I associate with that month.

It's also Friday and time to join some blog hops. This time I'm not doing random topics but will concentrate on nearby Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. I've posted about it many times before, but they keep offering new programs so I go back. I'm a history buff and the staff there are great presenters.

My Town Shoot Out has challenged us to post about Parks today, and I had some great parks to choose from. I've listed Front Royal's great parks in the past so I thought I'd go in the opposite direction this time. 

A week ago I attended a "History at Sunset" program at Cedar Creek. Ranger James Horn told the story of the battle through letters written by soldiers who were there.

This black and white portrait shows the ranger in a quiet moment as he listens to a question from someone in the audience. Most of the time he's quite animated.

The program began at the Monument to the 8th Vermont and progressed to the Morning Attack Trail.

Here Union soldiers were awakened by an unexpected pre-dawn attack. Casualties were high. 

This part of the park has only been open for a few years. In fact, the park itself was not authorized until 2002. When I first came to this Civil War battlefield on a tour, very little of the area was open to the public. It's been gratifying to see this beautiful place become available to visit.

The park is unusual because it is not all owned by one entity, but is a combined effort of several organizations.

If you are not familiar with the 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek, it basically ended the Confederate Army's use of the Shenandoah Valley. Their surprise attack in the morning was only a temporary victory. General Phil Sheridan led Federal troops in a counter-attack and forced the Confederates to retreat in disarray.

Thanks to all the bloggers who are hosting linkups today! Floral Friday, Fences, Skywatch,  Signs, Orange You Glad It's Friday, Weekend Green, Black and White Weekend, and My Town Shoot Out.

U.S. 11 over Cedar Creek is being rebuilt.