Brandy Station, Virginia - Headquarters of Gen. John Henry Hobart Ward (U.S. Civil War) Brandy Station is a historic site located in Culpeper County, Virginia. It gained significance during the American Civil War as it served as the headquarters for General John Henry Hobart Ward, a Union Army commander. The area witnessed one of the largest cavalry battles of the Civil War on June 9, 1863, known as the Battle of Brandy Station. This battle is often considered the opening salvo in the Gettysburg Campaign. Today, Brandy Station is preserved and maintained to commemorate its historical importance during the U.S. Civil War.