Battle of Bristoe Station

Dates:

October 14, 1863

Other Names:

None

Location:

Bristoe Station, Virginia

Key Individuals Involved in the Battle of Bristoe Station:

Union: Major General G.K. Warren
Confederate: Lieutenant General A.P. Hill

Outcome:

Union Victory. Casualties: 1980

Overview of the Battle :

On October 14, 1863, A.P. Hill’s corps stumbled upon two corps of the retreating Union army at Bristoe Station and attacked without proper reconnaissance. Union soldiers of the II Corps, posted behind the Orange and Alexandria Railroad embankment, mauled two brigades of Henry Heth’s division and captured a battery of artillery. Hill reinforced his line but could make little headway against the determined defenders. After this victory, the Federals continued their withdrawal to Centreville unmolested. Lee’s Bristoe offensive sputtered to a premature halt. After minor skirmishing near Manassas and Centreville, the Confederates retired slowly to Rappahannock River destroying the Orange and Alexandria Railroad as they went. At Bristoe Station, Hill lost standing in the eyes of Lee, who angrily ordered him to bury his dead and say no more about it.
Source: CWSAC Battle Summaries