Battle of Buckland Mills facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Buckland Mills
Part of American Civil War
Date October 19, 1863 (1863-10-19) Location Fauquier County, Virginia Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Hugh Judson Kilpatrick	J.E.B. Stuart
Casualties and losses
1,851	408

The Battle of Buckland Mills, also known as The Buckland Races or Chestnut Hill, was a fight during the American Civil War. It happened on October 19, 1863. In this battle, soldiers from the Union Army (the North) fought against soldiers from the Confederate States Army (the South). The Union cavalry, led by Hugh Judson Kilpatrick, was surprised by a Confederate ambush and lost the battle.

A Tricky Retreat

After a battle at Bristoe, Confederate General Robert E. Lee was moving his army back towards the Rappahannock River. To protect his retreating troops, Confederate cavalry commander J.E.B. Stuart and his cavalry division, led by Wade Hampton III, were covering the rear.

The Ambush at Buckland Mills

On October 19, 1863, near Buckland Mills, General Stuart's Confederate cavalry turned to face the Union cavalry that was chasing them. This was a surprise attack. While Stuart's men fought the Union cavalry head-on, another Confederate division, led by Fitzhugh Lee, attacked the Union soldiers from the side.

The Union cavalry, led by General Kilpatrick, was completely overwhelmed. They had to quickly run away, fleeing about five miles to Haymarket and Gainesville.

The "Buckland Races"

The Confederates made fun of the Union's quick retreat, calling the battle "The Buckland Races." Some Confederate leaders even compared it to a fox hunt, where the Union soldiers were like the foxes being chased.

Saving the Battlefield

The American Battlefield Trust, which used to be called the Civil War Trust, works to save important historical places. They and their partners have helped protect about 91 acres (0.37 square kilometers) of the Buckland Mills battlefield. This helps make sure these historic sites are preserved for future generations to learn from.