Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Subject Matter: The Army of the Potomac’s eventual pursuit of the Army of Northern Virginia following the Battle of Gettysburg led back to the Culpeper, Warrenton, Bristow, and the heights of Centreville in Oct – Nov 1863. Both Army Commanders were frustrated – Major General George Meade from the continuing pressure for a decisive defeat of the Army of Northern Virginia, and General R. E. Lee from the realization that his Army was in no condition for bold offensive action. The Battles of Auburn, Bristoe Station, Buckland Mills (the Buckland Races) and Rappahannock Station / Kelly’s Ford followed, and although both armies achieved tactical victories in this Bristoe Campaign, the results were inconclusive. By late November, both Meade and Lee viewed Mine Run as an opportunity for a decisive victory, Lee from a defensive posture, and Meade from an offensive one. Our tour will focus on the actions that occurred leading up to Mine Run, and why this “great battle” was not fought.

Tour Guide: Mike Block – Historian, Author & BRCWRT Member

Assembly Time & Location: 8:30 AM Centreville Library (14200 St. Germain Dr., Centreville); check-in & carpool consolidation

Tour Carpool Departure & Return Times: Carpool to depart Centreville Library at 9:00 AM; Return to Centreville Library by 4:00 PM

Lunch: Picnic / Bring Your Own Brown Bag lunch (lunch, water/drinks)

Uniform of the Day: Appropriate dress for weather conditions, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a walking stick as desired; moderate walking at two stops - walking trails are on open, level ground

Tour Stops: Germanna Ford, Payne’s Farm (Battle of Payne’s Farm), Locust Grove (after crossing the Rapidan, Meade’s planned convergence point), New Hope Church (stalemate at New Hope Church), Confederate earthworks along Mine Run, Gen. Warren’s flanking movement & Gen. Meade’s difficult decision

Cost: Free to All

BRCWRT Contact: Blake Myers – jb11thva@cox.net 703-868-1728