On June 21, 1863, in a delaying action against advancing Union cavalry, the rear guard of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, commanded by Gen. Wade Hampton, took up a strong position on the steep ridge behind the site and opened fire from two horse batteries on Union soldiers assembling on high ground east across Goose Creek. Two Federal batteries unlimbered on the bluffs and replied, and for an hour the opposing cannon dueled across the creek. A company of New York cavalry tried to seize the bridge but failed under converging artillery fire. Concluding that cavalry alone could not take the narrow span, Union cavalry commander Gen. Alfred Pleasonton brought up Col. Strong Vincent’s veteran infantry brigade. The infantry scrambled down the slopes in concentrated force, crossed the creek as cavalry followed on the bridge, then moved rapidly up the incline and drove back the retreating Confederate forces, capturing a Southern artillery piece. Goose Creek Bridge returned to Union control. Built between 1801 and 1803 during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, the four-arch bridge is a Virginia Historic Landmark, the longest remaining stone turnpike bridge in the state, and one of the oldest in the Commonwealth. The Fauquier-Loudoun Garden Club maintains it with funds raised from private donations.