Middletown in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Battle of Cedar Creek
By Julian Scott
In 1870 the Vermont Legislature commissioned a painting for the State House by artist Julian Scott to commemorate the valor of the state's Civil War soldiers. The Battle of Cedar Creek, in which more Vermont regiments were under fire than any other engagement, was chosen as the subject. The painting, reproduced here, measures 10 by 20 feet, excluding the elaborate gilt frame also designed by the artist. Scott served as a young fifer and drummer during the war, and was the first recipient of the Medal of Honor for an act of valor. He went on to a successful career as one of the nation's most heralded artists in depicting the Civil War. The painting features many portraits of Vermont veterans, who advised the artist on portraying the battle accurately. The work remains one of the Vermont State House's greatest treasures, dominating a reception room known simply as the Cedar Creek Room.
Captain Thomas Kennedy of the 6th Vermont being carried from the field. He can be seen at the center of the painting.
Captain Thomas Kennedy of the 6th Vermont is the red-haired and bearded soldier being carried from the field. Wounded early in the battle, Kennedy's men brought him to Solomon and Caroline Heater's farmhouse, still standing in the fields ahead. Confederate troops overran the house, leaving
Scott painted the canvas over the course of three years at his studio at West Point, N.Y., completing it at locations in New York City, Burlington and Montpelier, Vermont.
Marker series. This marker is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients marker series.
Location. 39° 1.173′ N, 78° 17.554′ W. Marker is in Middletown, Virginia, in Frederick County. Marker is on Valley Pike (U.S. 11) 0.6 miles north of Belle Grove Road (Virginia Route 727), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Middletown VA 22645, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vermont at Cedar Creek (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Cedar Creek (a few steps from this marker); Heater House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Battle of Cedar Creek Monte Vista (approx. 0.2 miles away); Heater Fields (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Cedar Creek (approx. 0.3 miles away); Battlefield Center (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middletown.
Also see . . . Battle of Cedar Creek painting at the Vermont State House. (Submitted on January 13, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico.)
Categories. • Arts, Letters, Music • War, US Civil •
Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2017. This page originally submitted on October 27, 2014, by Shanon Chaput of Mason, Ohio. This page has been viewed 496 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 27, 2014, by Shanon Chaput of Mason, Ohio. 2. submitted on September 19, 2017, by Samuel Paik of Gainesville, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on January 13, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico. 5. submitted on September 19, 2017, by Samuel Paik of Gainesville, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.