Strategy & Tactics #284: Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign is a two-player tactical wargame recreating one of the most remarkable operations of the American Civil War. Designed around the Twilight’s Last Gleaming (2) rules system, it simulates General “Stonewall” Jackson’s 1862 Valley Campaign—a masterclass in manoeuvre warfare that tied down far larger Union forces and allowed Confederate reinforcements to reach Richmond in time for the decisive Seven Days Battles.

• Historical Background: In the spring of 1862, Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson led a small, fast-moving army through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Outnumbered and outgunned, Jackson’s force used aggressive movement, deception, and terrain mastery to defeat multiple Union armies in detail. His campaign became a defining example of operational brilliance, influencing military thinking for generations.
• Gameplay & Objectives: One player commands the Confederate forces under Jackson, using speed and surprise to raid, disrupt, and evade the Union armies. The other player leads the Union forces, attempting to contain Jackson’s operations and prevent his army from reinforcing Robert E. Lee outside Richmond. The game’s dynamic system rewards manoeuvre, foresight, and flexible command control — allowing both sides opportunities for bold attacks and timely counterblows.
• Scale & System: Each combat unit represents approximately 250 men or two artillery pieces, with adjustments for unit morale, command quality, and combat effectiveness. Each hex equals 300 yards across, and each turn represents one hour of battle time, providing a fine-grained tactical focus on movement, engagement, and battlefield coordination.
• Game Mechanics: Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign integrates historical asymmetry — the Confederate army’s agility and leadership versus the Union’s superior numbers and logistics. Players will manage command control, terrain advantages, and the fog of war to outthink their opponent in a campaign that rewards historical understanding and bold tactical decisions.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map depicting Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
• 228 die-cut counters representing Confederate and Union units
• 1 rulebook based on the Twilight’s Last Gleaming (2) system
• Low-to-intermediate complexity; ideal for both new and experienced wargamers

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Tactical
Hex: 300 Yards
Turn: 1 Hour

Gameplay Focus: Fast-moving operations, multi-front engagements, and the challenge of coordinating dispersed forces under limited intelligence. Victory goes to the player who can best use manoeuvre, timing, and resource management to achieve their objectives across the valley.

Strategy & Tactics #284: Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign captures the tension and tactical nuance of Jackson’s audacious campaign in a compact, richly historical simulation. Whether commanding the daring Confederate forces or the cautious but powerful Union armies, players will experience the drama of one of the Civil War’s most masterful operations.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s premier source for historical wargames, strategy titles, and military simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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