Brandy Station was the largest cavalry engagement ever fought in the United States. It marked the opening battle of the Gettysburg Campaign, and was one of the few times the Federal cavalry held its own against J.E.B. Stuart's vaunted cavaliers. Over the past few years, the battlefield has been reasonably well preserved, and the Brandy Station Foundation is to be commended for their excellent efforts.
If you are looking for a Civil War fix over the next few months, why not consider taking in one of Brandy Station's frequent lectures or tours? It's a relatively easy drive from York County through parts of historic Virginia.
The 2008 Lecture Program
The lectures are the last Sunday of each month, March through October, from 2:00 to 3:15 P.M. at the Graffiti House.
A tax deductible donation of $5 for adults is requested; all proceeds benefit the Foundation’s efforts to preserve the Brandy Station Battlefield and the Graffiti House. No advance reservations necessary. Light refreshments are served. For more information on these events, please call (540) 727-7718.
February 24
The Music of the Civil War
Evergreen Shade (John Tole and Ann Howard)
March 30
Desperate Engagement – Jubal Early’s Threat on Washington
Mark Leepson
April 27
The Atlanta Campaign
Richard Deardoff
May 25
The Union Executions at Beverly’s Ford
Bud Hall
June 29
West Point at the Outset of the War – the Class of 1863
Brian McEnany
July 27
Cavalry Fights in Fauquier County - Coffee Hill/Buckland Races
Joe McKinney
August 31
J. Egbert and Amanda Farnum
Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Kelley
September 28
The Disinterment of Will Farley
Dale Brown
Battlefield Tours
The BSF offers a series of tours, each devoted to one of the four engagements that comprise the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9, 1863. The tours begin Saturday, April 5, 2008, and continue every other Saturday to September 6, 2008.
Each tour begins at 10:00 am at the Graffiti House and ends there at noon. Admission is $10 for adults; children under 12 are free; all proceeds benefit the Foundation’s efforts to preserve the Brandy Station Battlefield and the Graffiti House. No advance reservations necessary. Tour guides are volunteers from the Foundation. Tours need not be taken in order. For further info contact Gary Wilson at (540) 547-4106
The tours are:
Beverly Ford and St. James Church (April 5, May 31, July 26)
Kelly's Ford and Stevensburg (April 19, June 14, August 9))
Fleetwood Hill (May 3, June 28, August 23)
Buford Knoll & Yew Ridge (May 17, July 12, September 6)
Horseback Riding Tour of the Battlefield
WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 2008
TIME: 10:00 am until Noon
WHO: 12 Riders (Riders furnish their own horses)
COST: $20.00 per rider
RESERVATIONS: Required in advance.
To make reservations call: 540-547-4106
INFORMATION:
- Joe McKinney, Guide.
- Unload horses and depart from CWPT turnaround on Beverly Ford Rd. near Culpeper airport.
- All horses must be good on trail & riders confident at the walk & trot.
- Each rider must sign a Hold Harmless Clause.
- Parent must sign for any rider under 18.
- Proof of negative Coggins test required for each horse.
- A responsible adult must accompany riders under 16.
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