1858-1950: Railroad and orchards
Stonewall Jackson and the foot cavalry
During the Civil War, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson used the Blue Ridge Tunnel to shuttle his "foot cavalry" between the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont.
Jackson's 1862 Valley Campaign relied on rapid troop movements, and the tunnel allowed him to cross the Blue Ridge in hours rather than days. The tunnel's military value to the Confederacy was significant enough that Union forces eventually targeted the Virginia Central line.
Union General George Custer destroyed much of the Virginia Central line in March 1865, in the war's final months, but the tunnel itself survived intact. After the war the line was repaired and continued service under the consolidated Chesapeake and Ohio Railway.
Frequently asked questions
What period does Stonewall Jackson and the foot cavalry cover?
This entry covers the 1858-1950: Railroad and orchards period of Crozet, Virginia history. See the History page for the broader chronological frame, including Claudius Crozet, the Blue Ridge Tunnel, the orchard era, and the modern planned-community phase.
Where can I learn more about Stonewall Jackson and the foot cavalry?
The Crozet Library local-history collection, Albemarle County records, and the Crozet Gazette archives are the best starting points for deeper research on Crozet history. The /history landing page links to additional entries organized by era.
Is this an authoritative history?
Claudius Crozet synthesizes from public sources rather than producing original archival research. For academic citation, work from the primary sources listed below the article. We aim for accurate dates and verifiable facts, but encourage readers to confirm against the original record.