Brandy Station Clash: Union Cavalry Proves Its Mettle
Union cavalry under Brigadier General John Buford launched a surprise dawn attack at Brandy Station, Virginia, on June 9, 1863, initiating the largest cavalry battle ever fought in North America. Approximately 9,500 Union horsemen crossed the Rappahannock River at two fords and attacked J.E.B. Stuart's 9,500 Confederate cavalry, catching them off guard. The battle raged for 14 hours across rolling fields and around Fleetwood Hill. Stuart held the field but only narrowly, and his reputation suffered. The battle demonstrated that Union cavalry had finally achieved combat parity with their Confederate counterparts after two years of inferiority. Stuart's subsequent desire to redeem his reputation may have contributed to his controversial absence during the opening days of the Gettysburg campaign two weeks later.
June 9, 1863
163 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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