Rappahannock Station, VA II

Date(s): November 7, 1863

Campaign(s): Bristoe Campaign [October-November 1863]

Battles in Campaign:

Situation:

Commanders:

  • Union: Maj. Gen. George G. Meade

  • Confederate: Gen. Robert E. Lee

Principal Forces: Corps

  • Union:

  • Confederate:

Description:

  • On November 7, the Union army forced passage of the Rappahannock River at two places.

  • A dusk attack overran the Confederate bridgehead at Rappahannock Station, capturing more than 1,600 men of Jubal Early’s Division.

  • Fighting at Kelly’s Ford was less severe with about 430 casualties, but the Confederates retreated allowing the Federals across in force.

  • On the verge of going into winter quarters around Culpeper, Lee’s army retired instead into Orange County south of the Rapidan River. The Army of the Potomac occupied the vicinity of Brandy Station and Culpeper County.

Slide Presentation: None

Classification2: B

Casualties3:

  • Union: 2,537 total (1,600 Confederate prisoners)

  • Confederate:

Results: Union Victory

Battlefield Websites: 

Recommended Resources:

       

1 National Park Service summary.

2 Classification:

  • A - having a decisive influence on a campaign and a direct impact on the course of the war

  • B - having a direct and decisive influence on their campaign

  • C - having observable influence on the outcome of a campaign

  • D - having a limited influence on the outcome of their campaign or operation but achieving or affecting important local objectives

3 Casualties are someone killed, injured, wounded, captured or missing.

Revised 01/02/2009