The battle at Toms Brook, Virginia, was a notable engagement during the larger context of Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign. On October 9, 1864, Union cavalry forces, commanded by General Philip Sheridan, confronted Confederate cavalry units led by General Thomas Rosser. A series of skirmishes erupted as Rosser sought to disrupt Union supply and communication lines. The Union forces utilized superior tactics and better coordination, exploiting the terrain and their cavalry's maneuverability.

In the encounter, Union forces launched a series of charges that overwhelmed Confederate formations. The Union cavalry's success came not just from superior numbers but also from effective leadership and morale. The achievement at Toms Brook was significant for the Union’s strategic objectives in the Valley. It highlighted the importance of cavalry operations, representing a shift towards aggressive and mobile warfare strategies, which would characterize later conflicts.

The repercussions of this victorious clash were far-reaching, with Confederate forces suffering not only a tactical defeat but also a diminishing impact on their overall ability to sustain operations in the Shenandoah Valley. This battle exemplified the shifting dynamics of the war, as Union forces increasingly took the offensive and exploited Confederate weaknesses in both manpower and resources.