Beleaguered Winchester

Situated strategically in the lower Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Winchester suffered more flux and turmoil from military campaigning than any other town during the Civil War. At various times during the war, Wincherster was under the control of generals Stonewall Jackson, Nathaniel Banks, Robert Milroy, Richard Ewell, Jubal Early, and Philip Sheridan. In this community study, Duncan examines the impact that Winchester's frequent skirmishes and battles had on its society. Specifically, he considers the role of women in the community, the interaction of military personnel and civilians, the question of loyalty within the community, the evolution of Federal policy from conciliation to "hard war," and the creation of the "Lost Cause" myth.

Richard R. Duncan is professor emeritus of history at Georgetown University.