October Surprise: The Cedar Creek Attack

In American political jargon, an “October surprise” refers to an event—whether man-made or natural—that significantly impacts a presidential election. The Confederates orchestrated what might be considered the first October Raid, a bold offensive against Union forces at Cedar Creek, aimed at bolstering the Copperhead Peace Democrats during the elections.

Previously, at their Chicago convention, Democrats had suggested a truce with the South that included maintaining slavery, an idea that was largely unpopular and seemed like a misguided attempt to change the course of the war.

On the night of October 18, under the light of the moon, thousands of Confederate soldiers quietly marched down a hidden path, having stripped away anything that could clink or make noise. Just days before, General John Brown Gordon had recognized an opening in the Union line while scouting near General Sheridan’s forces. The Union’s left flank was vulnerable, and the troops stationed in the Shenandoah Valley mistakenly thought that Massanutten Mountain was an insurmountable barrier. Commanded by General Jubal Early, Gordon aimed to secure a significant victory for the Confederacy just before the election. In a bold display, around 14,000 Confederate soldiers attacked 32,000 Union troops.

The chilly autumn fog of October 19 enveloped the battlefield as Confederate soldiers descended upon the unsuspecting Union 8th Corps with a rebel yell around 5 a.m. Chaos reigned, as many Union regiments scattered, fleeing toward Middletown. One Union soldier, while asleep in his tent, was bayoneted. The Confederate advance overwhelmed the faltering Union lines.

Desperate and lacking shoes, the Confederates not only targeted Union troops but also their supplies. After several hours of intense, brutal fighting, including hand-to-hand combat, the Confederates briefly paused to catch their breath, allowing Union forces under Crook to fortify their positions. Early arrived around 10:30 and remarked, “Well, Gordon, that’s enough glory for the day. Today is the 19th. Exactly one month ago today, we were going in the opposite direction.”

Despite his exhaustion, Early believed the Union army was on the verge of retreating. Realizing how drained and hungry his men were, he contemplated regrouping to safely solidify their gains. Gordon, on the other hand, pushed for an immediate follow-up attack, particularly against the VI Corps, but his suggestions were swiftly dismissed.

Later, Gordon recalled feeling a sense of dread—not unlike the ominous halt at Gettysburg on the first day. This pause, now viewed historically as disastrous, had its consequences.

Just after the Confederates halted, Early’s men began to hear jubilant cheers from the Union lines. Many believed that fresh Union reinforcements had arrived—and they had, in the form of General Philip Henry Sheridan.

Setting out from Winchester around 8:30 a.m., Sheridan embarked on a legendary ride on his striking black and white horse, Rienzi. This ride would later be immortalized in military lore and featured in Thomas Buchanan Read’s famous poem “Sheridan’s Ride,” which was significant during Lincoln’s 1864 campaign. Sheridan’s horse eventually earned the name “Winchester” and now resides in the Smithsonian.

Sheridan galloped to the front lines, where one of his soldiers inquired about his evening accommodations. The atmosphere fell silent waiting for his response. With a determined tone, he said, “You can sleep in the old camp tonight, or you can sleep in hell!” The soldiers erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

As Sheridan rallied his troops, he committed his entire army to the fight. Initially, the Confederate line held strong, leading Early to believe they were on the cusp of victory. However, by 5:30 p.m., Union forces had succeeded in breaching Early’s left flank, prompting a retreat in disarray toward Fisher’s Hill. Sheridan’s triumph at Cedar Creek not only boosted the morale of the North but also significantly improved Lincoln’s prospects for reelection.