Peeking through the trees, Lewinsville stands as a testament to a past era. This unincorporated community in Fairfax County, Virginia holds stories of conflict and resilience. It sits at the crossroads of Lewinsville and Chain Bridge Roads. Lewinsville, together with Langley, forms the census-designated place of McLean.
But Lewinsville’s story stretches back further. Travel back to September 11, 1861. The Battle of Lewinsville raged here. The Union Army clashed with the Confederate Army. Imagine the chaos. Picture soldiers in blue and gray amidst the fields of Lewinsville.
The Battle of Lewinsville saw about 1,800 Union soldiers against 400 to 500 Confederates. Colonel Isaac Stevens commanded the Union troops. Colonel J.E.B. Stuart led the Confederate forces. The battle was part of General McClellan’s operations in Northern Virginia. McClellan aimed to strengthen Washington’s defenses after the First Battle of Bull Run. He also cautiously wanted to extend Union control in Northern Virginia.
The Confederate attack hastened the withdrawal of the U.S. troops. The Union suffered casualties three dead and some wounded. The Confederates claimed none. However, some sources indicate they had at least one killed and one wounded.
The 79th New York Infantry Regiment fought bravely. Their regimental colors had been taken away due to a mutiny. But after their performance in Lewinsville, the colors were returned.
Stuart employed a tactic of using close-up artillery with cavalry. Initially, General Joseph E. Johnston didn’t favor this. General James Longstreet commended Stuart’s actions. Stuart received praise and a recommendation for promotion. Two weeks later, he became a brigadier general.
Several other skirmishes occurred near Lewinsville in September 1861. These actions and leadership appointments had notable effects on military and political actions.
After the battle, Union officers Isaac Stevens and Orlando Poe received favorable reports. Both became general officers. Private John S. Mosby also came to Stuart’s attention during this engagement.
The Union achieved its objective. They scouted and mapped the area around Lewinsville before withdrawing. This withdrawal was part of the mission plan. It included instructions not to engage in a general battle.
Both sides claimed victory. Some described the result as a “nonconclusive exchange of fire.” McClellan reported that the men “behaved most admirably under fire.” He declared, “We shall have no more Bull Run affairs.”
Following the battle, Confederate General Longstreet recommended Stuart’s promotion. Johnston and Beauregard endorsed it. Stuart’s command gave the Confederates an edge.
In late September 1861, Confederate forces pulled back to Centreville. This followed the Union defeat at Ball’s Bluff. McClellan became more cautious. The Army of the Potomac fought no more battles in Northern Virginia until March 1862.
Today, Lewinsville stands as a reminder. It’s a reminder of the Civil War’s impact on this land. It is a place where history whispers through the trees. Take a moment to reflect on the events that unfolded here. The echoes of the past linger in Lewinsville, Virginia.