Blood Was on Everything: The Third Battle of Winchester

Blood Was On Everything: The Third Battle of Winchester

The Third Battle of Winchester, fought on September 19, 1864, was one of the largest and most decisive engagements in the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Union forces under Gen. Philip Sheridan clashed with Confederate led by Gen. Jubal Early in a fierce, day-long struggle that involved over 54,000 soldiers. This battle marked a critical shift in control of the Valley, breaking Confederate dominance and opening the door for Union advances deep into Virginia. The talk will explore the strategic importance of Winchester, the tactics employed by both sides, and the battle’s lasting impact on the war’s final year.

Bio – Jack Owens

Jack Owens serves as the Land Preservation Projects Manager for the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, the managing entity of the Congressionally created Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District. In this role, he works to protect and interpret some of the most significant landscapes of the Civil War.

Jack is passionate about sharing history beyond the battlefield. He co-hosts the Civil War history podcast called “Battlefields and Bourbon”, where he explores stories of the war and its lasting impact paired with new whiskey every episode. His commitment to preservation and education extends to his service on several boards, including the Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Conservation District, Shenandoah Valley Pure Water Forum, Winchester-Frederick County Tourism Board, and the Frederick County Historic Resource Advisory Board.

Recently, Jack was published in the 2026 issue of Shenandoah University’s Journal of the Shenandoah Valley During the Civil War Era. He lives in Winchester with his wife and continues to dedicate his life to preserving history for future generations.