The First Battle of Kernstown occurred in Virginia as part of the broader military strategy employed by Confederate General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson. Responding to threats against the Confederacy's capital in Richmond, Jackson aimed to create a diversion to complicate Union efforts. On March 23, 1862, Jackson led approximately 6,000 troops against Union forces commanded by Brigadier General Nathaniel P. Banks, with a sizable number stationed in Winchester, Virginia. The engagement began in the late afternoon and featured intense fighting, leading to an eventual Confederate withdrawal. Jackson's forces attempted to leverage their knowledge of the terrain, but were outnumbered, and the battle concluded with a Union victory.Despite the Confederate setback, the battle was significant in that it effectively diverted Union forces away from their main objective of capturing Richmond. The fighting at Kernstown highlighted Jackson's ability to command and utilize quick maneuvers despite facing the odds. His performance gained him notoriety and underscored the tactical importance of mobility in the Valley Campaign. The First Battle of Kernstown would be instrumental in shaping the military landscape of the conflict in Virginia, leading to further engagements in the region and ultimately altering the course of the war in favor of the Confederacy.