In September 1863, Union cavalry moved into Madison County, scouting roads and river fords for a possible move around Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army camped in Orange County. After learning that Federal troops were in the town of Madison, Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart moved to meet the two Union divisions led by Gens. Judson Kilpatrick and John Buford. On September 22, at the village of Jack’s Shop, modern Rochelle, Stuart’s rear guard was engaged by Buford’s force, and an artillery duel soon began. While Stuart fought Buford, he was attacked by Kilpatrick, who had recrossed the Rapidan River, placing him in a two-front battle. Stuart then began concentrating on the weakest part of Kilpatrick’s line, but he was attacked from a third side by Gen. Thomas Devin. He ordered his artillery to fire in that direction while continuing to hammer at Kilpatrick, then cut through the Union line and escaped safely across the Rapidan at Liberty Mills, ending the battle. The fighting caused heavy casualties on both sides, and many local homes were converted into hospitals to care for the wounded.