Major General John Pope was placed in command of the newly constituted Army of Virginia on June 26.
General Robert E. Lee responded to Pope's dispositions by dispatching Major General T.J. Jackson with 14,000 men to Gordonsville in July. Jackson was later reinforced by A.P. Hill's division.
In early August, Pope marched his forces south into Culpeper County with the objective of capturing the rail junction at Gordonsville.
On August 9, Jackson and Major General Nathaniel Banks's corps tangled at Cedar Mountain with the Federals gaining an early advantage.
A Confederate counterattack led by A.P. Hill repulsed the Federals and won the day. Confederate general William Winder was killed.
This battle shifted fighting in Virginia from the Peninsula to Northern Virginia, giving Lee the initiative.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Location: Culpeper County
Campaign: Northern Virginia Campaign (June-September 1862) next battle in campaign
Date(s): August 9, 1862
Principal Commanders: Major General Nathaniel Banks [US]; Major General Stonewall Jackson [CS]
Forces Engaged: 24,898 total (US 8,030; CS 16,868)
Estimated Casualties: 2,707 total (US 1,400; CS 1,307)