June 6 marked a victory for preservationists, as the Civil War Preservation Trust <www.civilwar.org> and Brandy Station Foundation announced the grand opening of Brandy Station Battlefield Park in Brandy Station, Va. Brandy Station was the largest cavalry battle ever fought on American soil. Nearly 20,000 troops engaged in the battle on June 9,1863, and more than 1,000 lost their lives. Although it was a Confederate victory, historians often say the battle made the Union Army stronger.
Preservationists had fought for several years to save this historic site from development proposals, including one to make it a Formula One racetrack. Now, visitors can enjoy the park’s walking trails, interpretive signs and driving tours.
To learn more about the battlefield’s history and for visitor information, contact the Brandy Station Foundation at (703) 403-1910 or <www.brandystation.org>.
From the October 2003 Family Tree Magazine
