Mosby Heritage Area Tour Page39
August 2007 photos/text courtesy of Richard Edling, PA
   

Historical Marker on US 50 (eastbound)n west of the Fairfax and Loudoun county line

Chantilly Cavalry Skirmish – Route 50 Enlarge
 
Here near Cub Run On March 23, 1863, at Saunders Toll Gate a short distance away, near present day Centreville Road and Route 50, Colonel John Singleton Mosby, and 55 of his rangers, had encountered about 100 troopers of the 5th New York Cavalry commanded by Lieutenant Robert “Outhouse” Johnstone. Mosby fled westward on Route 50 from that point heading toward Cub Run. As he was going down the turnpike he noticed some downed trees on both the left and the right, and he secreted several of his men on both sides of the road behind those trees and brush.   He then proceeded down Route 50 only to find the road barricaded at Cub Run.   Meanwhile as the 5th New York reached the point where Mosby's men were concealed behind the downed trees, Mosby's men opened fire and the Fifth New York panicked from the ambush. When Mosby heard the gunfire, he wheeled and charged strait into the Fifth New York to join the fray. Mosby killed 5 Union troopers, wounded an unknown number and captured 36.   Lieutenant Johnstone was relieved of command following this action. When he heard of Mosby’s victory here General Robert E. Lee said “ Hurrah for Mosby! I wish I had a hundred more like him”. Mosby received his commission as a Captain following this fight

     

Frying Pan Meeting House - Route 657/Centreville Road (northbound) Enlarge
 
War Records indicate actions occurred here on December 29, 1862, June 4, 1863 and October 17, 1863. Mosby used this church as a meeting point often and at least one Ranger, Mortimer Lane, is buried in the cemetery in an unmarked grave

 

Frying Pan Church

     

Frying Pan Church Cemetery

 

Herndon Station: Tracks into History Enlarge

    Page39    
 
 
         
    Site Index