Battles & Campaigns · 1863
Battle of Boonsboro
Boonsboro, Maryland, USA
What happened
Union cavalry under Alfred Pleasonton, with divisions under H. Judson Kilpatrick and John Buford, fought J.E.B. Stuart's Confederate cavalry. After the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee's army was retreating toward Virginia, and Stuart's cavalry guarded the mountain passes. Muddy fields made fighting on horseback almost impossible, so both sides fought on foot. When Union infantry arrived in the evening, Stuart pulled back to Funkstown.
Why it matters
Stuart's stand protected Lee's route to Williamsport and the Potomac River. It gave the retreating army another day.
What came next
Two days later, Stuart slowed the Union pursuit again at the Battle of Funkstown.
Did you know?
It was the biggest and longest cavalry battle in Maryland during the Gettysburg campaign.
Timeline
- 1–3 Jul 1863Battle of Gettysburg.
- 8 Jul 1863Battle of Boonsboro.
- 10 Jul 1863Battle of Funkstown.