Seat of War

That's the archaic term used to describe the scene of bellicose activity. Such it was for the Shenandoah Valley in western Virginia as it was also the locus of agricultural fecundity supplying Confederate armies with foodstuffs and fodder. It was more or less held by them until General Sheridan was dispatched by General Grant to clear them out in late summer of 1864.

Appreciating Sheridan's memoirs. Very astute and diiligent officer. His combat experience and success in the Cumberland campaigns driving the Confederates out of eastern Kentucky and Tennessee brought him to Lincoln's attention. Vouched for by Grant, who now commanded as General-in Chief preparing the Army of the Potomac for a Spring offensive into eastern Virginia for the purposes of defeating Lee and capturing Richmond, assigned Sheridan command of his calvary divisions. He again performed superlitively in the Wilderness Campaign.

Stalemated by Lee's maneuvers and threatened by a flank movement through the Shenandoah by General Early, the Union command sent Sheridan to confront him and, essentially, despoil the area such that it could no longer victual the rebels.

Such a beautiful place, this seat of war. If I had a 'bucket list' this would be on it. Situated between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies, it's repute, as mentioned, is legendary. I imagine it's 'built up' some since then.

I've seen the lovely rolling country of Virginia southwest of Washington. Had an uncle who worked at the Pentagon and lived in Fairfax County. Visited in early '60s. Hard to imagine it the scene of carnage.

Plate: William L. Sonntag