Kelly's Ford
- Other Name:
- Kellysville
- Campaign:
- Cavalry Operations Along the Rappahannock
- Date(s):
- March 1863
- Principal Commanders:
- Brigadier General William Averell [US] Major General Fitzhugh Lee [CS]
- Forces Engaged:
- 0 total (US 0; CS 0;)
- Estimated Casualties:
- 179 total (US 99; CS 80;)
- Description:
- Kelly's Ford was one of the early larger scale cavalry fights in Virginia that set the stage for Brandy Station and cavalry actions of the Gettysburg campaign. Twenty-one hundred troopers of Averell's cavalry division crossed the Rappahannock River to attack the Confederate cavalry. Fitzhugh Lee counterattacked with a brigade of about 800 men. The "Gallant" Pelham was killed. After achieving a localized success, Union forces withdrew in mid-afternoon.
- Results:
- Indecisive
- CWSAC Reference #:
- VA029
- Preservation Priority: