Article in the _http://www.starexponent.com/_ (http://www.starexponent.com/) By DELLA EDRINGTON Friday, August 26, 2005 (http://ads.mgnetwork.com/RealMedia/ads/click_nx.ads/starexponent.com/[email protected]?x) The Battle of Brandy Station was the Civil War's largest cavalry engagement. In the early hours of June 9, 1863, 10,000 Union troops silently crossed the Rappahannock River. At the same time, the army of Gen. Robert E. Lee was secretly moving north toward Gettysburg. About 9,500 Confederate cavalry, under the command of General J.E.B. Stuart, were in Culpeper County protecting these forces. Cavalry met cavalry in four major engagements. The battle raged all day from Beverly and Kelly's Fords, to the decisive contest for Fleetwood Hill. By nightfall, the Confederates had paid a heavy price for a narrow triumph. A driving tour and battlefield guide for the battlefield is available at the Graffiti House in Brandy Station for $7. Guided tours are available by request. The Graffiti House was named for the numerous writings and drawings on the walls of the house that date back to the Civil War. Built in 1858, the house was used as a field hospital following the massive cavalry battle at Brandy Station. Wounded Confederate soldiers wrote their names and drew pictures on the walls of the house using charcoal from the central fireplace. During the Winter Encampment of 1863-64, when the Army of the Potomac occupied Culpeper County, Union soldiers took their turn inscribing the walls of the building. Learn about the history of Culpeper County during the Civil War with a visit to the Graffiti House. After the war, paint, wallpaper and wood paneling covered the artwork. For 130 years the graffiti laid protected and concealed until it was discovered in the 1990s. In 2002, the Brandy Station Foundation purchased the Graffiti House and now operates it as a memorial to all Civil War soldiers. The Graffiti House is open to the public for free. It's main season runs from April through October and the house is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday Saturday and Sunday. Winter season (November through March) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday. The Graffiti House is located in the village of Brandy Station at 19484 Brandy Road. From Culpeper, go five miles north on U.S. 29. Turn right on Alanthus Road and left onto Brandy Road. Drive into the dead end; do not cross over the railroad tracks. For additional information on the Graffiti House, including the lecture series and special events, visit our Web site.