Loudoun Heights Clash

Union Maj. Henry A. Cole's 1st Maryland Cavalry was camped here on Loudoun Heights on 10 Jan. 1864 when Confederate Maj. John S. Mosby and Capt. Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Stringfellow attacked before dawn with about 100 mounted Partisan Rangers. In the darkness, Mosby mistook Stringfellow’s detachment for Federals and they exchanged fire. Cole’s troopers rallied, shooting at the Rangers, the only men on horseback. After heavy fighting the Rangers retreated toward Hillsboro. Mosby’s losses were one captured, three wounded, and eight killed, including Capts. William Thomas Turner and William R. Smith, two of Mosby’s most trusted officers.