Today in History:

Kelly's Ford

Battle Name: Kelly’s Ford
Other Names: Kellysville
State: Virginia
Location: Culpeper County
Campaign: Cavalry Operations along the Rappahannock (March 1863)
Dates: March 17, 1863
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. William W. Averell [US]; Brig. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions (3,000 total)
Estimated Casualties: 200 total
Description: Kelly’s Ford was one of the early larger scale cavalry fights in Virginia that set the stage for Brandy Station and cavalry actions of the Gettysburg campaign. Twenty-one hundred troopers of Averell’s cavalry division crossed the Rappahannock River to attack the Confederate cavalry. Fitzhugh Lee counterattacked with a brigade of about 800 men. The “Gallant” Pelham was killed. After achieving a localized success, Union forces withdrew in mid-afternoon.
Results: Inconclusive

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