With respect to the Civil War most people are familiar with the Battle of Gettysburg fought from July 1-3, 1863 in Gettysburg, PA and the Overland Campaign led by General Ulysses S. Grant in early May of 1864. The period in between is generally thought to be one of inactivity where both sides rebuilt their armies and prepared for the major campaigns of 1864. However, both armies, the Army of the Potomac under Major General George Meade and the Army of Northern Virginia under General-in-Chief Robert E. Lee, were very active during this period. The battles fought are lesser known but had dramatic consequences for the counties that they were fought in including Fauquier, Culpeper and Orange counties in Virginia and the many soldiers lost in combat and to illness in camps and the effect this had on their families.

The battles we will cover:

The Bristoe Station Campaign and its battles including: James City, Auburn, the Second Battle of Bristoe Station, and Buckland Mills from October 9-19.

The Second Battles of Rappahannock Station and Kelly’s Ford on November 7th. A post on Who was Captain John G. Witherspoon?

The Mine Run Campaign November 27- December 2 (November 26th, November 27th, November 28th to December 2nd).

The Battle of Morton’s Ford– February 6-7

Benjamin Butler’s Expedition Against Richmond