Battle of Dranesville

Other Names: None

Location: Fairfax County, Virginia

Campaign: McClellan's Operations in Northern Virginia (October-December 1861)

Date: December 20, 1861

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. E.O.C. Ord [US]; Brig. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart [CS]

Forces Engaged: 5,000 [US]; 4,000 [CS]

Casualties and losses: 301 total (US 71; CS 230)

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

Brig. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart led a brigade-sized mixed force of cavalry, infantry, and artillery to protect a foraging expedition in the vicinity of Dranesville. Union Brig. Gen. E.O.C. Ord, advancing on the Georgetown Pike, encountered Stuart's cavalry. Both sides deployed as more units arrived on the field, and a sharp firefight developed. Stuart withdrew in the mid-afternoon after ensuring that his wagons were safely in the rear. Ord pursued for a half mile, ensuring his line of retreat was safe, before breaking off the attack and returning to Langley. The following day Stuart returned with reinforcements, but the battle was already over. Though the battle was small, of no strategic importance and resulted in only light casualties, it marked the first time in the east that a Union force had bested their Confederate enemy.