Battle of Culpeper Court House facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Culpeper Court House
Part of the American Civil War
Custer captures artillery
Date September 13, 1863 (1863-09-13) Location Culpeper Court House, Virginia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States of America	Confederate States of America
Commanders and leaders
Alfred Pleasonton	J.E.B. Stuart
Strength
Cavalry corps of three divisions	Cavalry corps of two divisions
Casualties and losses
NA	Unknown killed and wounded, 100 men taken prisoner

The Battle of Culpeper Court House was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on September 13, 1863, near Culpeper, Virginia. This battle was between the cavalry (soldiers on horseback) of the Union Army and the Confederate States Army. The Union side won, which helped them take control of the Culpeper area. This victory was a step towards the later Bristoe Campaign.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

On September 12, 1863, about 10,000 Union cavalry soldiers began their journey. They were led by Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton. Their goal was to attack the Confederate headquarters. This headquarters belonged to Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart in Culpeper Court House. The Union troops started from their camp near Warrenton, Virginia. They crossed the Rappahannock River and gathered near Sulphur Springs.

What Happened During the Battle?

The next day, September 13, the Union soldiers started moving at 4 a.m. Pleasonton's three groups of cavalry rode almost two miles. They crossed the Hazel River and got closer to Culpeper. The Union troopers moved in three lines. They quickly pushed away small groups of Confederate guards.

Custer's Charge

Around 1 p.m., the Union soldiers reached the main Confederate defense line. Brig. Gen. Hugh Judson Kilpatrick ordered a charge. Soldiers from Brig. Gen. George Armstrong Custer's group led this attack. They charged on horseback and took control of the Confederate position. This area was centered at the railroad depot. Custer's troops captured over 100 Confederate soldiers. They also seized three artillery (cannon) pieces.

Union Victory

The three Union cavalry groups then met up at Culpeper. They kept pushing the Confederates back. There was heavy fighting as the Confederates retreated towards the Rapidan River. When night came, the winning Union soldiers camped near Cedar Mountain. The Confederates were across the Rapidan River at Raccoon Ford. The next two days, Union forces checked the Confederate position. They found it was too strong to attack again.