The Daring Cavalier of Our Shenandoah Valley
By: Mike Scheibe
Turner Ashby Jr., a Confederate cavalry commander during the American Civil War, left an indelible mark on the history of the local area and the South itself. His name is well known by locals and students of the Civil War around the world. His daring exploits, unwavering loyalty, and exceptional horsemanship made him a legendary figure in the history of the Shenandoah Valley.
Born on October 23, 1828, in Fauquier County, Virginia, Turner Ashby Jr. grew up on the family farm called Rose Bank Plantation. His father had fought as a colonel in the War of 1812, and his grandfather served as a captain during the American Revolutionary War. Ashby inherited a legacy of military service and a love for the land. In his twenties, Ashby organized an informal cavalry company known as the Mountain Rangers. Initially formed to maintain order among laborers on the Manassas Gap Railroad, the Rangers soon became part of the 7th Virginia Cavalry, which would later be known as “Ashby’s Cavalry”. Among his fellow Rangers were nephews of Chief Justice John Marshall, adding a touch of aristocracy to the unit. When the Civil War erupted, Ashby and his troopers were assigned to the Virginia Militia command of Colonel Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. Ashby’s reconnaissance and screening played a crucial role in Jackson’s famous Valley campaign of 1862 in the Shenandoah Valley. His knowledge of the terrain, swift movements, and ability to gather intelligence contributed significantly to Jackson’s success. Despite his valuable contributions, Ashby faced criticism from Jackson. The lax training and discipline of his men drew Jackson’s ire. However, Ashby’s courage and resourcefulness on the battlefield often overshadowed these shortcomings.
By the time of his death, Ashby had received his general’s star, although the Confederate Senate did not confirm the promotion before he fell in battle. His official rank remains contested, but his legacy as a daring and audacious leader endures.
Ashby’s prowess as a horseman was legendary. His mounts were revered by many, and even after their deaths, they were preserved as romantic relics. The bond between Ashby and his steeds symbolized the cavalier spirit of the Confederacy. Ashby’s daring charges, lightning-fast raids, and unwavering commitment to the Southern cause elevated him to the status of a hero. His black plumed hat and the clatter of hooves became synonymous with courage and defiance.
Turner Ashby Jr.'s life was tragically cut short on June 6, 1862, during the Battle of Good’s Farm, just East of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Even his death proved to be audacious, as he was killed during a charge where he went forward on foot, after having a horse shot out from under him during the fighting. While some members of the 13th Pennsylvania Bucktails regiment that faced him during his final charge claimed to have fired the shot that struck Ashby down, others claim he was killed by a Confederate bullet in an episode of friendly fire. There is no definitive report on who fired that fatal shot. Ashby’s body was photographed in the only postmortem example of a Confederate general that is known to exist. He laid in state in the small town of Port Republic, where soldiers and citizens paid their respects before, he was moved to Charlottesville for burial. He now rests in Stonewall cemetery in Winchester with his brother. His legacy lives on as the “Black Knight of the Confederacy,” a gallant cavalier who rode fearlessly into history, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of the American Civil War.
Turner Ashby’s daring exploits and unwavering loyalty continue to inspire generations to this day.
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