Signal Knob was used by Signal Corps in the American Civil War by both the Union and Confederate armies. The Confederates occupied it from 1862 to 1864. From Signal Knob, the Confederate Signal Corps could monitor Union troop movements and observe battles from Winchester to Fisher's Hill and beyond. They could also communicate using flags, lanterns, and telescopes to other stations at Ashby Gap, Burnt Springs, Harmony Hollow, and New Market Gap.