Laurel Hill - Birthplace of General J.E.B. Stuart, CSA

JEB Stuart's Last Ride - by Tom Bishop

On May 2, 2009, I visited the memorial and historical markers North of Richmond, VA honoring one of Patrick County, Virginia's finest men.

On May 11, 1864, Maj..Gen. J. E. B. Stuart the Confederate's most famous Calvary commander took 4500 cavalrymen to battle at a place called Yellow Tavern, facing Union Gen. Sheridan's 10,000 men on horseback.

As Gen. Stuart mounted on horseback, shouted encouragement to his men a Union private John A. Huff, shot Stuart in the stomach with a 44 caliber pistol from a distance of 10-30 yards. Gen. Stuart died the following day. Visiting the site near Richmond does not allow one to visualize what happened that historic day. But we know that one of Virginia's best Calvary commanders went down.

Three markers on the highway near Route 1, tell the story Stuart's last ride. A granite marker, inside a fence memorializes General Stuart on Old Telegraph Road. A Civil War Trails marker and map further describes the scene of the battle.

A new shopping center, upscale residential community, U. S. Route 1 and Interstate 95 dominate the landscape where Gen. Stuart fought his last military battle.

I am very thankful for all the historical markers and directions that stand today and tell the story of General Stuart's last ride. We appreciate his contribution in a difficult time in American History. We will never forget General Stuart here in Patrick County, Virginia.

Laurel Hill near Ararat, VA is a tribute to Gen. Stuart and his family. It is open to the public and you can visit there at anytime and learn more of the history of Patrick County.

Written by: Tom Bishop

Click Here for More Articles