KERNSTOWN, VA.: Site of two battles along old Valley Pike

BATTLEFIELD BACKSTORY: In mid-February, I headed south down the historic Valley Pike to Kernstown, a battlefield bordered by housing subdivisions, a Better Beer Store, a business park, a nail salon and other urban schlock. The battlefield was technically closed, but I talked my way onto the field, took photos and walked alone on the chilly, overcast afternoon to the top of Pritchard Hill, from which Union artillery shelled the Rebs during both battles. If you look hard enough, you could even see where the Rebels were positioned along the Valley Pike. Just look for the car dealership. If you count the battle preservationists have fought to protect the old Pritchard-Grim farm, shown above, three battles were fought at Kernstown. (Click at upper right to enlarge.)