Second Battle of Rappahannock Station

Other Names: None

Location: Culpeper County and Fauquier County, Virginia

Campaign: Bristoe Campaign (October-November 1863)

Date: November 7, 1863

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]

Forces Engaged: 2,000 [US]; 2,000 [CS]

Casualties and losses: 2,537 total (1,600 Confederate prisoners)

Result(s): Union victory

Brief 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. The battle had been as humiliating for the South as it had been glorious for the North. Two of the Confederacy's finest brigades, sheltered behind entrenchments and well supported by artillery, had been routed and captured by an enemy force of equal size.