Mosby’s Rangers Remembered: Historian Don Hakenson Revisits the Tragic Hangings of Mosby’s Men

On September 23, 2024, historian Don Hakenson delivered a compelling presentation at the Warren Rifles Confederate Memorial Museum in Front Royal, Virginia. His speech, sponsored by the John S. Mosby Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, recounted the tragic events surrounding the hangings of Mosby’s Rangers during the Civil War.

Hakenson, a descendant of one of the hanged men, shared a personal connection to this dark chapter in Civil War history. Richard Anderson, his great-great-uncle, was among those executed by Union forces on September 23, 1864. With vivid storytelling, Hakenson offered both historical facts and deeply emotional insights.

Hakenson began by highlighting the role of John S. Mosby, known as the “Gray Ghost,” and his Rangers, who used guerrilla tactics to harass Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley. Mosby’s men were both admired and feared for their effectiveness, often targeting Union supply lines and disrupting military operations. However, their success came at a high cost as Union leaders grew increasingly frustrated with their hit-and-run strategies.

A turning point occurred in August 1864 when Mosby’s men attacked a Union supply wagon train near Berryville, Virginia. The raid, which resulted in the capture of over 200 prisoners and substantial supplies, infuriated Union leadership, including General Ulysses S. Grant, who issued orders to retaliate by hanging any of Mosby’s men caught in action.

This escalation of violence set the stage for the events of September 23, 1864, in Front Royal. On that day, six of Mosby’s Rangers, including Hakenson’s ancestor, Richard Anderson, were captured and executed by Union forces under the command of George Armstrong Custer, a Union officer who would later achieve fame for his role in the Battle of Little Bighorn. Custer, described by Hakenson as “not one of my heroes,” was a central figure in these retaliatory killings, which took place as an act of revenge for Mosby’s attacks on Union troops.

One particularly emotional part of the story involved Henry Rhodes, a young man from Front Royal, who was captured and executed in front of his mother’s house. Hakenson described the scene where Rhodes’ mother pleaded for his life, only to be pushed away by Union soldiers. Another man, William Overby, became known as the “Nathan Hale of the Confederacy” for his defiant refusal to provide information on Mosby’s whereabouts, choosing instead to face the gallows.

The execution of Mosby’s men deeply affected the local community, and their memory has endured. Hakenson emphasized the long-lasting impact of these events on families in the area, including his own. He shared how the hangings left scars that still resonate 160 years later, and he spoke of how the local community continues to honor the memories of the fallen Rangers.

Hakenson concluded by recounting how Mosby himself responded to the killings. Though devastated by the loss of his men, Mosby eventually sought revenge. With the approval of Confederate leadership, Mosby’s Rangers executed several captured Union soldiers in retaliation. However, this cycle of violence would soon end as both sides grew weary of the brutality.

The presentation powerfully reminded us of the complexities and tragedies of the Civil War. Hakenson’s connection to the story and deep knowledge of the historical context made the speech a poignant reflection on the human cost of conflict.

The Warren Rifles Confederate Memorial Museum continues to serve as a place of remembrance for those who lost their lives during the war, and events like Hakenson’s speech help ensure that their stories are not forgotten.