The Battle of Dranesville December 20, 1861

Other Names: None
Location: Fairfax County, VA
Campaign: McClellan’s Operations in Northern Virginia (October-December 1861)

Principal Commanders:
Union: Brig. Gen. E.O.C. Ord [US]
Confederate: Brig. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart [CS]

Forces Engaged: Brigades

Estimated Casualties: 301 total (US 71; CS 230)

Description: Brig. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart led a brigade-sized mixed force of cavalry, infantry, and artillery to protect a foraging expedition in the vicinity of Dranesville. Union Brig. Gen. E.O.C. Ord, advancing on the Georgetown Pike, encountered Stuart’s cavalry.  Both sides deployed as more units arrived on the field, and a sharp firefight developed. Stuart withdrew in the mid-afternoon after ensuring that his wagons were safely in the rear.

Sources:
National Park Service
The Civil War, American Heritage (Doubleday, 1960)

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Last revised 16 Sept 2003.

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