Local News
Marching through Front Royal: The 160th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Campaign, Episode 1
Early on the morning of June 4th, 1863, Union Major General Joe Hooker was sitting around a campfire having breakfast when he was interrupted by his Intelligence chief bearing important dispatches from the Federal Balloon Corps. (Depicted here from Library of Congress Photo). Union observation balloons monitoring the southern banks of the Rappahannock had crafted an urgent update for the commander. The balloons had been keeping a close watch on the scattered array of Confederate cooking fires. The wood smoke that had wreathed the treetops and smothered the valley was thinning. In its place, something else was in the air—dust, not smoke. To the Federal commander, this meant one thing – Something was afoot with General Lee. The Confederate army was stirring.
Immediately after his victory at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee quietly prepared the Army of Northern Virginia for the Confederacy’s second invasion of the United States. After the death of Stonewall Jackson, he reorganized his forces into three corps of three divisions each and placed them under command of Lieutenant Generals James Longstreet, Richard S. Ewell, and A. Powell Hill. The Army of Northern Virginia numbered about 75,000 officers and men. They were all seasoned veterans and were cloaked in an aura of invincibility having won their last two battles.
Lee knew the Federal army was preparing for a new thrust toward Richmond. The South would gain nothing from another battle in the Fredericksburg area, so Lee decided on a bold move that would transfer the scene of hostilities north of the Potomac River. A Confederate sneak attack northward could accomplish several things. For starters, it would disrupt Union campaign plans for the rest of 1863. It would also: remove Federal forces from the Shenandoah Valley, obtain desperately needed supplies, undermine civilian morale in the north, and encourage anti-war sentiment already trumpeted by the Democratic Party. Much was at stake with this endeavor.
In the teachings of Sun Tzu: “All warfare is based on deception.” Lee’s deception plan was multi-faceted. He left General A.P. Hill’s Corps to guard the approaches to Richmond around Fredericksburg so the Federals would believe Lee was still encamped. Meanwhile he stealthily moved the preponderance of his force westward around Culpeper where JEB Stuart’s cavalry had assembled for the march north. Misinformation regarding Confederate intentions successfully reached their target audience in the Lincoln Administration. On June 7th, Colonel George Sharp, head of the Bureau of Military Information, reported to Hooker that JEB Stuart was preparing for a large cavalry raid but Lee’s infantry was withdrawing south to defenses around Richmond. The ruse was working.
On 9 June, Union cavalry probed Confederate cavalry positions in the battle of Brandy Station near Culpeper. This engagement confirmed the Confederate cavalry’s strength but did not include intelligence of the looming Confederate invasion. In fact, just prior to the cavalry clash at Brandy Station, General Ewell’s Corps had slipped away from Culpeper and was moving westward through the Blue Ridge Mountain passes. A few days later the Southerners were marching north through Front Royal. The invasion was on.
Although the Northern leadership would not grasp the true gravity of Lee’s intentions for a couple more weeks, the townspeople of Front Royal knew something was up. Prior to the arrival of Ewell’s advance guard, hundreds of Confederate cavalry under General Albert Jenkins poured through the town on their way towards Winchester. They immediately cut all telegraph wires eastward to ensure secrecy.
The following day on 12 June, the townspeople of Front Royal were treated to a spectacle of power. The vanguard of Lee’s legions was greeted with cheers as Ewell’s regiments marched through the streets followed by processions of canon, caissons, and logistical wagons several miles long. This was no normal raiding party. It took all day for the 20,000 plus corps and their supply trains to file through Front Royal. Just when the townspeople thought all had passed, another regimental flag would emerge onto Chester Street.
As the spearhead of the Army of Northern Virginia, General Ewell was tasked with clearing all Federals from the Shenandoah Valley and foraging for provisions and equipment for the follow-on forces. Two days after passing through Front Royal, Ewell’s legions surrounded Winchester and cut all communications before reducing the Federal forces to surrender. Captured supplies greatly lengthened his wagon trains. The path was cleared for the remainder of the Confederate forces to roll northward.
Meanwhile, the War Department in Washington was perplexed by rampant rumors and conflicting intelligence reports. Spies and reconnaissance efforts could no longer account for most of Lee’s army. They still believed Lee was defending the Confederate capital but were baffled by the lack of communication with their forces in the Shenandoah Valley. Rumors were swirling at Hooker’s headquarters too. Having been outfoxed by Lee a few weeks earlier, he hurriedly dispatched the army’s cavalry arm along present-day Highway 50 westward to get eyes on the valley. Union leadership simply could not fathom that Lee would leave the Confederate capital unguarded.
JEB Stuart’s Confederate Cavalry assembled in mass to impede Hooker’s reconnaissance effort. The Union and Confederate cavalry battled it out over a 5-day series of engagements from Aldie, through Middleburg, and Upperville from 17-21 June. Stuart’s defense in depth concluded just shy of the Blueridge gaps west of Upperville on 21 June. The Union did not breach the gaps in the Blue Ridge and so remained blinded to Lee’s intentions.
By the time the 26th North Carolina infantry marched down Chester Street with the rest of General A.P. Hill’s corps the euphoria and jubilation of the people was at its peak. Mort Kunstler wrote, “Led by their heralded band, the troops of the 26th North Carolina passed by as if on review. Most of the townspeople were appraised of war news and were quite cognizant of the famous North Carolina Regiment. Women waved their handkerchiefs, children ran and marched alongside the soldiers, and all cheered the gray uniformed sons of the south. The residents of Front Royal had been under constant threat of the enemy for two years and they welcomed General Lee’s forces.”
Mr. Mort Kunstler commemorated this event in the painting above entitled, “Covered with Glory.” It depicts the heralded North Carolina 26th Infantry Regiment and their band marching along Chester Street in front of the present day ‘Samuels Apartments’ across from the Virginia Beer Museum. As a side note, the 26th North Carolina were considered General A.P. Hills’ shock troops and enjoyed the fame associated with their accomplishments at the recent victory at Chancellorsville and the many campaigns of 1862. Sadly, most of the soldiers honored in this print would not retrace their steps through Front Royal. The regiment suffered 85% losses at Gettysburg, more than any other regiment during the war.
Now back to the overall scheme of things. By the time General Hooker discerned Lee’s purpose, the entire Confederate army had passed beyond Front Royal and lead elements were north of the Potomac River marching into Maryland and headed towards Pennsylvania. Alarm bells were sounding everywhere in the north. The counties in Maryland and Pennsylvania were panicking and inundating the Washington offices with alarms that the whole Confederate army was invading. Many citizens fled north from the advancing Confederates. On June 25th, the Army of the Potomac broke camp and began moving into the Frederick, Maryland area. Although General Hooker issued orders for the army to pursue Lee, he continued to badger Washington to attack Richmond instead of following the Southerners northward.
Hooker’s argument was sensible in that the Confederate capital was inadequately defended and crushing Lee’s base of supplies and routing the Southern government would hastily end the war. Alternatively, Lincoln believed Lee was the South’s center of gravity and believed defeating Lee’s army would essentially defeat the South. Politically, Lincoln didn’t give it a second thought. He had to defend the Union from the invading Southern forces. Allowing Lee to ravage northern cities unopposed was unthinkable. With that in mind, all seven Corps of the Army of the Potomac set out in pursuit of the Confederates.
While his armies hurried northward, President Lincoln decided to trade up commanders. General Joe Hooker was relieved of Command three days before both sides smashed into each other in Pennsylvania. General Meade, a Pennsylvania man, was informed while in the saddle, that he was the new commander of the entire Army of the Potomac. Now it was up to him to find and stop ‘Bobby Lee.’ This was not an enviable position. The previous two Union commanders had been embarrassed by General Lee. Two days later, Meade would be riding through the night to the sound of the guns. Game on in Gettysburg!
Gettysburg was fought during the first 3 days of July in 1863. It was the largest battle in the Civil War and the largest battle ever fought in the United States. There were over 50,000 casualties. This year is the 160th Anniversary of that momentous battle.
Local News
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 4/28/2024
Front Royal Police Department’s arrest report for the past 7 days:
Local News
VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for May 6 – 10, 2024
The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.
INTERSTATE 66
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for pavement marking installations, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday and Tuesday nights.
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 2, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
*NEW* Mile marker 8 to 7, westbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Mile marker 9 to 7, westbound – Overnight right lane closures at Shenandoah River bridge for utility work, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday night.
INTERSTATE 81
*UPDATE* Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for overhead sign repairs, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday night.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound –Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit: 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening, with estimated completion in late 2024.
PRIMARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Front Royal town limits and Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road) for guardrail upgrades, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday (May 2) and Tuesday (May 7).
*NEW* Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Route 674 (Limeton Church Road) and Route 607 (Rocky Lane) for pipe replacement, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 7 – May 14.
SECONDARY ROADS
Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for the construction of a bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Estimated completion December 2025.
Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or at www.511Virginia.org.
Local News
VSP Investigating I-81 Dump Truck/Sheriff’s Vehicle Accident
The Virginia State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County. The crash occurred Friday, May 3, at 5:46 a.m. at the Route 646 overpass at the 292-mile maker of I-81.
A 2005 Kenworth dump truck was traveling north on I-81 when the driver accidentally engaged the dump bed, which raised it and caused it to collide with the bridge overpass. The collision caused the dump bed to detach from the truck, slide backward, and land on a northbound 2022 Ford Explorer, which was driven by a Frederick County Sheriff’s deputy.
The dump truck driver, Gaylon R. Miller, 71, of Toms Brook, Va., was not injured in the crash. He was wearing his seatbelt.
The sheriff’s deputy suffered minor injuries and was transported to Winchester Medical Center for treatment.
Miller was charged with reckless driving.
(From a Release by the Virginia State Police)
Local News
WCSB Approves New LFK Principal; Accepts Scholarships for Baseball, Softball Seniors
The Warren County School Board unanimously approved the appointment of a new principal who will take over at Leslie Fox Keyser (LFK) Elementary School starting this summer and accepted baseball and softball scholarships being offered by the Front Royal Cardinals for four seniors attending Warren County Public Schools (WCPS).
Board chair Kristen Pence, vice chair Antoinette Funk, and board members Andrea Lo, Thomas McFadden, Jr., and Melanie Salins, during their regular meeting on Wednesday, May 1, voted 5-0 to have Jennifer Cameron appointed as the LFK principal effective July 1.
“Ms. Cameron is an experienced educator and leader in Warren County,” said WCPS Superintendent Christopher Ballenger in recommending her appointment to the School Board.
Previously, Cameron has taught as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher and has experience as a literacy coach who supported grade-level teachers in her school building, Ballenger said, adding that as an administrator, Cameron has served as the dean of students and as an assistant principal.
“During her years of service, Ms. Cameron was selected as the Rotary Teacher of the Year in 2008 and was the [WCPS] Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2015-2016,” he added.
As a leader, Ballenger also said that Cameron has been integral in transforming E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School and has served as the chair for the division’s Attendance Committee for the past two years.
“Ms. Cameron is a great fit for LFK, and I know that her skill set will continue to move LFK forward,” said the superintendent.
Following the board’s vote, Cameron told board members she was honored to accept the LFK principal position and said she’s excited to rejoin the Lil’ Cat family.
“Thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity to nurture young minds and to foster the continued excellence of LFK,” she said. “I look forward to working with you to continue the path to excellence at Warren County Public Schools. I’m truly humbled at this huge responsibility that you have entrusted to me, and I look forward to the coming school year and this new adventure that awaits me.”
In other action items, the School Board unanimously accepted four scholarships with gratitude from the Front Royal Cardinals and approved the donation of auditorium seating from E. Wilson Morrison (EWM) Elementary School.
Donna Settle, president of Front Royal Cardinals Baseball, a nonprofit organization that is part of the Valley Baseball League, said that as part of the group’s fundraising activities, the board will sponsor Little League for both girls and boys and will give back to the WCPS baseball and softball programs.
“This year, our board has voted to bring scholarships back to Warren County,” Settle told the board. “I know we’re a little late in the season, but we have enough money set aside for the scholarships for the 2024 student-athletes.”
There are four new $500 scholarship opportunities beginning with the Class of 2024 that are available for a Skyline baseball and softball senior who plans to continue their education and for a Warren County baseball and softball senior who plans to continue their education.
The School Board also voted 5-0 to permit two auditorium seats to be donated to Robert MacDougall, founding principal of Transform Development, a commercial landlord and developer based in the Shenandoah Valley.
Seating in the EWM auditorium, which is being renovated to provide an indoor facility for students and staff, has been removed and is set to go to auction. MacDougall offered a facility to store the auditorium seating until they could be auctioned.
With the School Board’s blessing, WCPS will now donate two seats to MacDougall, who will display them in the theater once its renovation is completed.
Regarding a request to have the Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS) appropriate the fiscal year 2022 School Operating Fund Surplus, the School Board voted unanimously to table the item to a work session and FY2025 budget resolution.
Ballenger explained that the total fiscal year 2021-2022 school operating surplus is $973,098, and said it was being requested that the Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS) appropriate $300,000 of the surplus to the School Transportation Fund that is held by the County and the remaining $673,098 to the School Capital Improvement Fund that is also held by the County.
The $300,000 designated for the Transportation Fund was originally included in the FY2025 Proposed School Operating Budget to purchase replacement buses and vehicle(s) but has since been removed contingent upon the funding appropriated to the Transportation Fund, he said.
Of the $673,098 requested for the County’s School Capital Improvement Fund, $40,000 was originally included in the FY2025 Proposed School Operating Budget to cover the repair/replacement of the chiller at Hilda J Barbour Elementary School and to upgrade the HVAC management systems at several schools. The remaining balance ($633,098) being requested for the Capital Improvement Fund would be requested at a future date for other capital priorities, such as the replacement of the tennis courts at the high schools.
As the budget process continues unfolding for both WCPS and the BOS, the School Board members agreed to work more on the item before taking action.
During the School Board’s community participation portion of its meeting, Leslie Mathews (above), a parent with two children attending Skyline Middle School, said that some of the School Board members are using the concerns expressed through emails by parents as “a crutch” for their own political motives. She called it a disgrace.
“I and we parents are only given three minutes a month [during School Board meetings] to get up here and express our concerns to you, or we’re told we can email you,” said Mathews. “But I no longer trust that method of emailing.”
Mathews, who last fall unsuccessfully challenged School Board incumbent Pence for the South River School Board seat, said “it’s such a disgrace for you as a public servant to go and encourage others to FOIA the concerns of parents who are not like-minded as yourself.
“So, therefore, our concerns are going public,” said Mathews, who didn’t name names. “If we want more positive in Warren County Public Schools, then we need to start at our leadership.”
Chamber News
Front Royal Welcomes CBM Team of Supreme Lending with Enthusiasm and Optimism
Front Royal, Virginia, celebrated a significant business merger that marks a promising future for local economic development. The CBM Team, a longstanding local business entity, has officially joined forces with Supreme Lending, expanding its reach and capacity to serve the community more effectively.
Nike Foster, Executive Director of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Lori Cockrell welcomed the CBM Team to our community. The event underscored a vibrant community spirit and the potential for economic growth. Byron Biggs, Chairman of the Chamber, highlighted the merger as a symbol of positive evolution in the local business landscape. It is now poised to extend its influence beyond Virginia.
Mayor Cockrell shared personal anecdotes, reflecting on the profound local ties and the exceptional character of the individuals involved, particularly noting the entrepreneurial spirit of Cory Michael, a former student of hers and now a regional manager for Team CBM. Her words painted a picture of a community that values deep personal connections and collective growth.
The merger promises substantial benefits to Front Royal, bringing enhanced services and opportunities for home ownership that were previously out of reach for many residents. This union is a merger of two companies and a fusion of cultures and aspirations, aiming to enrich the local community while maintaining the cherished CBM brand identity.
Attendees left the event with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future, confident in the continued prosperity and communal strength of Front Royal.
Local News
Congratulations to Warren County High School Seniors – Class of 2024
Royal Examiner presents the Warren County High School Class of 2024. Congratulations to these wonderful seniors on their hard work and deserved accomplishments! We wish you the best in your next big endeavors. Photos courtesy of Victor O’Neill Studios and Tolliver Studios, LLC.
If your Warren County senior is not listed, please send in their Name and Senior Picture to news@royalexaminer.com.