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THE BATTLE OF BRANDY STATION raged on June 9, 1863, becoming the largest cavalry battle ever fought on the North American continent. Of the 20,000 soldiers involved, about 17,000 were from the mounted branch. For the first time in the Civil War, Union cavalry matched the Confederate horsemen in skill and determination.
Today, a new type of history is occurring at Brandy Station - Preservation. The Brandy Station Foundation is a community-based organization whose members are dedicated to honoring the many brave Union and Confederate troops who fought and died in and around Culpeper County.
Built as a residence for a local family, the GRAFFITI HOUSE was converted into a hospital after the Battle of Kelly's Ford in March of 1863. Wounded Union and Confederate soldiers, using charcoal from the central fireplace, wrote their names, units, hometowns, messages, and drawings of men, women, and animals on the walls of the home. The graffiti was discovered in 1993 during renovation work to convert the property to commercial use. The Brandy
Station Foundation purchased the property in 2002 and operates it as a memorial to all Civil War soldiers.
The Graffiti House is located 5 miles north of Culpeper at the Virginia Route 663 exit on US Routes 29 & 15, in Brandy Station.
- Grand Review Site: The site of two Confederate cavalry reviews, including the June 8th affair held for Robert E. Lee.
- Mortal Wounding of "Grimes" Davis: Buford's division, with "Grimes" Davis brigade in the lead, crossed Beverly's Ford early on June 9th. Here it was assailed by "Grumble" Jones' Confederates. In the brief melee Davis was shot from his saddle.
- St. James Church: The church posted several pieces of Major Robert R. Beckham's horse artillery. This is where the charge of the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry took place.
- Gregg's Attack: This is the place where Gregg's lead brigade under Wyndaham attacked. Gunners of the 6th New York Light Artillery manning three cannons suffered heavy losses. Of the 36 gunners only six survived.
- Fleetwood Hill: Stuart's headquarters on the eve of the battle. This critical site was where H.B. McClellan ably directed sporadic cannon fire to slow Gregg's attack allowing Stuart to arrive with reinforcements.
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