Brandy Station played an important role in the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9, 1863, though Union and Confederate armies never clashed in the streets of the town. A few months later, as winter descended, roads turned to muddy soup, and the frantic pace of conflict slowed, the Union army established winter camps throughout the area. Located on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, Brandy Station served as the Union Army of the Potomac's key supply and passenger depot during the 1863-1864 winter encampment. Ingalls' Station, named for Quartermaster General Rufus Ingalls, stood 1.2 miles to the north, and about 1 mile east-northeast along the southern slopes of Fleetwood Hill, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade set up his headquarters. Amid the hubbub of loading and unloading supplies and personnel, soldiers in Brandy Station could have their pictures taken for $1.50 or buy oysters, fresh fish, condensed milk, and many other goods from people making money from the soldiers. One soldier recalled that it was a very busy place, with trains of army wagons coming and going from morning till night as they waited for their time to load. In early May 1864, the Army of the Potomac left its winter quarters and headed off to begin the bloody Overland Campaign.
