The Peale Home or Crossroad Farm- from an article in the Harrisonburg Daily News Record, Harrisonburg, Va., December 19, 1992 by Betty Skeens titled “Crossroad Farm was Civil War Hospital” (excerpted). Built in 1844 by Johnathan Peale it was used by Stonewall Jackson’s forces during the war. It was considered by Stonewall Jackson as a headquarters because of its balcony view in both directions. Jackson, however, moved to Madison Hall near Port Republic before the battle when the Yankees learned of his presence. It was used as a hospital.
From an article by Betty Skeens titled “House Played Role in Civil War.” Harrisonburg Daily News Record, Harrisonburg, Va., December 5, 1992, A house built ca. 1857 near Cross Keys by Simon Whitesel is featured in this illustrated article. What follows was excerpted from the article. The house is a three-story Greek Revival farmhouse where Union and Confederate soldiers passed en route to battle and where some were carried afterward to die. It was built between 1855 and 1857 by Simon Whitesel, a prosperous farmer of German descent. A spring on Whitesel’s property provided water for soldiers of both sides who frequently passed along the road beside the house during Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign. The wounded were brought to both the house and barn after the battle of Cross Keys.
The following sign and Pirkey family cemetery are at the intersection of Port Republic Road and Cross Keys Road. It is a very busy intersection. Do not stop here.
The images below replicate those on this sign. They were taken from left to right looking east.
The Pirkey Family Cemetery- 38.3672564, -78.8328390
Freeman monument site
Text- Here, June 8, 1862, Gen. J. C. Fremont—pursuing Gen. T. J. “Stonewall” Jackson—was checked by Gen. R. S. Ewell with part of Jackson’s army, which lay towards Port Republic. Federals engaged: 12,750, killed and wounded: 684. Confederates engaged: 8,000, killed and wounded: 288.
Mill Creek Church Site- the church served as a hospital after the battle
From an article by Betty Skeens entitled “18th Century Home was Hospital and Church” from the Harrisonburg Daily News Record, Harrisonburg, Va., August 29, 1992. An illustrated article on the Jacob Yount house near Port Republic (excerpted). Yount built the house ca. 1796. It contained moveable partitions to accommodate Church of the Brethren worship services. During the Civil War battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic the house served as a hospital for both armies.
From an article by Betty Skeens in the Harrisonburg Daily News Record (excerpted) entitled “Test of Time: Dell Has Survived Almost 2 Centuries”. The Dell is among the oldest homes in the Valley. A large, Flemish bond brick home built along Mill Creek near Port Republic around 1800. The Dell is the second house built on the property. The Harshbarger family owned the property for much of the 19th century. The late Dr. Charles Harshbarger told the story that Union troops invaded the house during the Civil War and seized valuables the family kept beneath a trap door in the back room. The elder doctor’s watch was later found on the dead body of a soldier.
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