Morton’s Ford (Rapidan River )

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Morton’s Ford (1864)

War:

American Civil War

Also known as:

Rapidan River

Date(s):

6 Feb 1864 - 7 Feb 1864

Location:

Orange & Culpeper Counties, Virginia, US

Outcome:

Inconclusive

Description:

Brig. Gen. J.C. Caldwell, USA
Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell, CSA

Each side had Corps available, but many fewer men fought.

Total casualties were a little under 750.

To distract attention from a planned cavalry-infantry raid up the Peninsula on Richmond, the Army of the Potomac forced several crossings of the Rapidan River on February 6. A division of II Corps crossed at Morton’s Ford, and elements of I Corps at Raccoon Ford. Union cavalry crossed at Robertson’s Ford. Ewell’s Corps resisted the crossings. Fighting was sporadic but most severe at Morton’s Ford. By February 7, the attacks had stalled, and the Federals withdrew during the night. Nor did the cavalry raid amount to much, so the effort was for nought.

Content provided by:
eHistory Staff

Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.

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