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.
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.
1863Jun, 9
American Civil War: Battle of Brandy Station, Virginia.
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Events on 1863
- 20Jun
West Virginia
American Civil War: West Virginia is admitted as the 35th U.S. state. - 3Jul
Battle of Gettysburg
American Civil War: The final day of the Battle of Gettysburg culminates with Pickett's Charge. - 4Jul
Battle of Gettysburg
American Civil War: The Army of Northern Virginia withdraws from the battlefield after losing the Battle of Gettysburg, signalling an end to the Southern invasion of the North. - 9Sep
Union Army
American Civil War: The Union Army enters Chattanooga, Tennessee. - 3Oct
Abraham Lincoln
The last Thursday in November is declared as Thanksgiving Day by United States President Abraham Lincoln as are Thursdays, November 30, 1865 and November 29, 1866.