Battle of Brandy Station

The Battle of Brandy Station, also called the Battle of Fleetwood Hill, was the largest predominantly cavalry engagement of the American Civil War, as well as the largest ever to take place on American soil. It was fought on June 9, 1863, around Brandy Station, Virginia, at the beginning of the Gettysburg Campaign by the Union cavalry under Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton against Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart's Confederate cavalry.

Battle of Brandy Station
Part of the American Civil War

Cavalry Charge Near Brandy Station by Edwin Forbes
DateJune 9, 1863 (1863-06-09)
Location
Culpeper County, Virginia
38°30′27″N 77°52′48″W
Result Confederate tactical victory
Belligerents
 United States (Union)  Confederate States (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Alfred Pleasonton J. E. B. Stuart
Units involved
Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac Cavalry Division, Army of Northern Virginia
Strength
11,000 9,500
Casualties and losses
  • 1,007 total
  • 69 killed
  • 452 wounded
  • 486 missing/captured
  • 523 total
  • 51 killed
  • 250 wounded
  • 132 missing/captured

Union commander Pleasonton launched a surprise dawn attack on Stuart's cavalry at Brandy Station. After an all-day fight in which fortunes changed repeatedly, the Federals retired without discovering Gen. Robert E. Lee's infantry camped near Culpeper. This battle marked the end of the Confederate cavalry's dominance in the East. From this point in the war, the Federal cavalry gained strength and confidence.

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