Brandy Station, Virginia. Major William Riddle And Friends. Headquarters, Army Of The Potomac (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

"Brandy Station, Virginia: Major William Riddle and Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac (US Civil War)" Brandy Station refers to a small unincorporated community in Culpeper County, Virginia. It gained historical significance during the American Civil War as the site of one of the largest cavalry battles on June 9, 1863, known as the Battle of Brandy Station. The battle was fought between Union cavalry under the command of Major William Riddle and Confederate forces led by General J.E.B. Stuart. This event is notable for being the first major engagement of cavalry on either side in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War, despite the Army of the Potomac's headquarters being situated nearby. Despite heavy casualties, neither side achieved decisive victory, and the battle has been described as a tactical draw. The Battle of Brandy Station paved the way for further large-scale cavalry engagements throughout the rest of the Civil War.