Inscription reads: "The Plumb House was built between 1802 and 1806 on what was then the western edge of Waynesboro. While fighting did not occur here until late in the war, the community felt its impact early on. Henry Plumb, who lived here, was mortally wounded at the First Battle of Manassas and died in July 1861." Stonewall Jackson's army passed through Waynesboro by train on its way to the Battle of McDowell early in his famous Valley Campaign of 1862. Confederate successes during that year left Waynesboro and the Upper Shenandoah Valley largely untouched until 1864. Skirmishes occurred here on June 10, following the Battle of Piedmont, and September 28, following the Battle of Fisher's Hill. On March 2, 1865, the Confederate defense of the Valley collapsed around the Plumb House. The remnants of Gen. Jubal Early's Army of the Shenandoah formed a line along the hill east of the house (along modern Pine Avenue). Union cavalry attacked from the west, driving the Confederates to the South River before capturing most of them, effectively ending the war in the Valley. After their victory at Waynesboro, Federal forces marched through Albemarle County to the James River at Scottsville. After destroying part of the canal and other buildings there, Union troops under Gen. Philip Sheridan continued to the Petersburg area where they rejoined the command of Gen. U.S. Grant. "One of the most terrible panics and stampedes I have ever seen. There was a perfect rout along the road up the mountain and the enemy dashed forward into the swarm of flying men, wagons, etc.... The whole army was captured or scattered...the situation, as I turned and saw it, convinced me that all was lost, especially when I saw the general officers rush by me in the headlong stampede." � Jed Hotchkiss, Stonewall Jackson's Map Maker.
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Last Updated: 07/20/2011
