Gen. Turner Ashby rode  to avenge brother’s death

This painting by John Paul Strain depicts Turner Ashby, the“Knight of the Valley.” The painter’s description notes that Ashby could often be seen on his white stallion, like a ghost riding along hilltops and ridges. Ashby’s horse was reportedly so powerful and swift that he simply outdistanced his men to the attack and was surrounded by federal soldiers who fled from the sword-wielding warrior. They learned quickly that the ghost was real, Strain said.

This painting by John Paul Strain — “The Black Knight” — depicts Turner Ashby during a snowy ride. According to Strain’s description of the work: “Of the many charismatic and colorful leaders produced by the War Between the States, none shine brighter than Turner Ashby. Raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, an area noted for its superb horses and accomplished riders, he became at an early age an expert rider and trainer of horses.”

This monument on Port Republic Road outside Harrisonburg marks the spot where Turner Ashby was killed June 6, 1862.