SPRING MILLS, W.Va. — Tuesday marked an important anniversary in Berkeley County.
July 2 is 163 years since the battle of Hoke’s Run during the American Civil War.
The date was recognized just west of Spring Mills by members of the Berkeley County Commision and several Battlefield Preservation Groups announcing the establishment of the county’s first Battlefield Park.
“We couldn’t be more excited to make this announcement on the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Hoke’s Run, the first Civil War battle fought in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Shenandoah Battlefield Foundation CEO Keven Walker. “Berkeley County is the northern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, and this collaborative partnership to preserve acreage where the Battle of Hoke’s Run was fought will highlight for future generations the importance of Berkeley County in the American Civil War.”
The planned preservation of the 10 acres of battlefield area is made possible by an agreement that was reached between the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, Berkeley County Commission and the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation Board in June 2024.
“Although a small battle by later standards, the intensity of the conflict led Patterson to overestimate the size of the Confederate force and therefore become less aggressive,” Gary Gimbel of the Falling Waters Battlefield Association said. “The outcome allowed the Southern forces in the Shenandoah Valley to slip away and help the Confederates win a decisive victory at the Battle of Manassas. Hoke’s Run was a small battle with big consequences.”
Located off WV 901, the hope is the park will be the first of many in Berkeley County.
“I can assure you this is just the tip of the iceberg.” said Berkeley County Commissioner Steve Catlett.