Bristoe Station , Virginia

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May 2003 photos/narratives courtesy of Robert Yates, VA
 
   

On October 14, 1863, A.P. Hills 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 & Alexandria Railroad embankment, mauled two brigades of Henry Heths 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. Lees Bristoe offensive sputtered to a premature halt. After minor skirmishing near Manassas and Centreville, the Confederates retired slowly to Rappahannock River destroying the Orange & 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
 
Bristoe Station NPS Battle Summary

 

View looking north from Webbs position towards main route of Heths advance (now Virginia Route 619)

Looking from Webbs position towards position occupied by Hays Brigade

   

Looking towards Broad Run bridge from Webbs position

Rear of Hays position. You can see the falloff in the terrain which made the railroad embankment a natural defensive position

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