1.      Locust Dale

On September 20, 1863 Union General George G. Meade ordered General John Buford to assess the roads, bridges, and fords in Madison County. On September 21 Bufords and General Hugh Judson Kilpatricks cavalry divisions crossed the Robertson River and occupied Madison Court House. The following day Buford sent Devins Brigade east to reconnoiter to Barnetts Ford. The 6^th N.Y. was detached to explore toward Locust Dale. The 6^th occupied the village until September 23 when it was ordered back to Good Hope Church.

Continue south on 15. At route 671, is the entrance road that leads to Brampton. The house is private and inaccessible to the public.

2.       Brampton

Built circa 1843, Brampton was the home of Dr. Andrew Grinnan. On September 21, General J.E.B. Stuart set up his headquarters tent under a tree on the front lawn. Stuart became aware of Bufords movement to Madison at midnight on the 21^st. At daylight on the 22^nd, Stuart led about 2,000 troopers from Brampton toward Madison Court House.

Continue on 15 to route 230 and turn right. This is the route Stuarts Cavalry took toward Madison Court House. Continue on 230 to the intersection with Route 231 at wartime ONeals Crossroads that is today called Pratts.

3.       ONeals Crossroads

At this crossroads Stuart learned that Buford had split his cavalry. Kilpatricks Division left Madison Court House heading south down the Wolftown Road (Route 29), Devins Brigade had gone east to Barnetts Ford, and Buford was just then heading down the Blue Ridge Turnpike toward this crossroad. Realizing Kilpatrick was in his rear, Stuart turned his column south down the turnpike (Route 231). As the rear of the Confederate column turned south, the head of Bufords federal column appeared from the direction of Madison Court House to the north. At this point a running battle began between the head of the Union column and the rebel rear guard.

Turn left onto Route 231 and drive to the intersection with route 662. A Civil War Trails Marker is at the intersection. Pull into the parking area.

4.       Shifflets

The marker provides a map and description of the action here. Requesting and expecting assistance from General Jubal Earlys Confederate Infantry positioned at Liberty Mills; Stuart halted his column and confronted Bufords oncoming horsemen. A charge by Company F, 1^st North Carolina was repulsed and Stuart then ordered Youngs Brigade to form line of battle across the road. A general engagement ensued as both sides fought dismounted.

Return to Route 231 and head south to the village of Rochelle. An Historical Marker is on the left. Park at the marker.

5.       Jacks Shop

Jacks Shop consisted of a blacksmith shop, two churches, a post office (Rochelle), and a few houses. General Early refused to send assistance and as Bufords men attacked from the north, Kilpatricks men began arriving from the south, and Devins troopers returned from Barnetts Ford to attack from the east. Stuarts command now found itself surrounded on three sides. Stuart told his men; Boys its a fight to captivity, death or victory.

Continue South on 231. As you drive toward the Rapidan River you will be travelling along the Confederate escape route.

6.       Stuart runs a Gauntlet

Colonel Oliver Funstens Brigade managed to open a gap in the Union line and Stuarts men dashed south. Stuart had a horse shot from under him and Brig. General Lafayette Baker; commander of the North Carolina Brigade fell wounded as Federal sharpshooters lining the road fired on the fleeing southern horsemen as they rode by. The running fight continued all the way to the Rapidan River.

Cross the Rapidan River and pull over near the junction with route 641

7.       Liberty Mill

Stuarts men crossed the Rapidan here to safety and Buford called off the pursuit upon seeing Confederate reinforcements on the south side. Confederate losses amounted to 147 in killed, wounded, or missing. Union losses were about 71 missing or captured.

Head north on 231 re-crossing the Rapidan River. At Route 620 turn right. Follow it to Route 616 and turn left. At the intersection with Route 621 is Good Hope Church. Park in the parking area.

8.       Good Hope Church

Having completed his assignment, Buford began his march back to the Union lines. Devins Brigade under Colonel Stagg took up a defensive position as rear guard at Good Hope Church. On the morning of September 23, Stuart moved toward Wolftown as Fitzhugh Lee advanced toward Good Hope Church. Fighting erupted around the church, but Stagg fell back and by late evening Bufords force was back north of the Robertson River.

Continue north on Route 616 to Route 230. Turn left and proceed to Route 29. Turn right and follow the signs to Madison.

9.       Madison Court House

Designated a Virginia Historic District. Stop by the visitor center on Main Street for information. On October 3, 1863 General Robert E. Lee began the Bristoe Campaign. His plan was to march his men from Orange County west around Meades right flank and hopefully trap him between the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers. On October 9 Stuart bivouacked his force at Madison Court House. During the 8^th and 9^th Lees infantry marched toward Madison. On October 10, Stuart sent a diversionary attack up present Route 29 against Union positions on the Robertson River.

Continue on Business 29 through Madison to Route 29 and turn left, heading north. At the crossing of Robertson River you are at Russells Ford.

10.   Russells Ford 

At 6:30 a.m. James B. Gordons Confederate Cavalry Brigade overwhelmed the 5^th N.Y. Cavalry at Russells Ford, driving them back to the infantry supports at Bethsaida Church.

Continue on Route 29. Turn left onto Route 607 follow into Brightwood and pull into Bethsaida Church.

11.   Bethsaida Church

The retreating 5^th N.Y. fell back to this position held by the 120^th N.Y. Infantry. The Confederates attacked the Federal front and right flank and the New Yorkers broke and fled in confusion. Nearly every man in the 120^th N.Y. was killed or captured. The Confederates pushed on toward James City.

Return to Route 29 and head north. Just before crossing Crooked Run you will see a Civil War Trails Marker on the right. Park at the marker.

12.   James City

The village of James City (present day Leon) consisted of two or three houses, a tavern, and a post office (Leon). Here the Confederate advance halted as the Federals occupied a strong position near Bethel Church.

Continue on 29 North. On the hill to the left is Bethel Church.

13.   Bethel Church

The Federals positioned two cavalry brigades, an infantry division and six pieces of artillery on the hill overlooking Crooked Run. An artillery barrage occurred and virtually wiped out James City. Night halted the fighting. By daylight the following day the Union forces had withdrawn and the Confederates continued on toward the disaster awaiting them at Bristoe Station.

This concludes the driving tour. Route 29 North will take you to Culpeper, or you can head south back to Madison.