On the morning of August 16, Confederate  troopers scattered the Federal pickets at the Shenandoah River crossing at Front Royal. The troopers pursued them down the Front Royal Pike, eventually coming to Guard Hill, a prominent landmark. There, they were hit by Union Brig.
At dawn on August 16, Confederate troops dispersed the federal outposts at the Shenandoah River crossing in Front Royal. They then chased the Federal forces along the Front Royal Pike and arrived at Guard Hill, a well-known location. It was there that they encountered a Union brigade commander.