The Battle of Cool Spring
The Battle of Cool Spring is also known as Castleman's Ferry, Island Ford, Parker's Ford, and Snicker's Ferry. It was fought on July 17th and 18th in 1864 in Clarke County, Virginia. Joseph Thoburn crossed the Shenandoah below Castleman's Ferry and drove off some Confederate pickets who quickly alerted their commanders, Major Generals John B. Gordon and John C. Breckinridge. Thoburn had to retreat after the battle and retired his forces over the river. This was a Confederate Victory. The following day, the Valley Campaigns of 1864 were started.