Civil War

This Week in the Civil War

00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.

This Week in the Civil War - 588

Texas Public Radio | By Texas Public Radio

Published June 10, 2013 at 2:29 PM CDT

In the vanguard of Lee’s advance toward the North, Jeb Stuart and eight thousand of his cavalry at Brandy Station, Virginia entertained themselves for several days, holding grand reviews for General Lee, John Bell Hood’s Texas division, and the local citizenry, before engaging Union cavalry on Tuesday, June 9, 1863.

Joseph Hooker ordered Union cavalry under Alfred Pleasonton to cross the Rappahannock, reconnoiter, and ascertain Lee’s intentions. In the greatest cavalry battle fought to date on American soil, for well in excess of ten hours Union cavalry repeatedly charged Stuart’s position at Brandy Station.

At the end of the day Stuart held the field, but the underrated Union cavalry had adequately represented itself while gaining valuable intelligence for Hooker. Confederate casualties totaled 523, with Pleasonton’s cavalry suffering 866 casualties.