Ox Hill - the tale

 The first tabletop battle here at our new home has been decided to be an ACW battle and this particular map came up today to my awareness, September 1, 1862 during the post Second Manassas battle and leading into the Antitam Campaign.

THE STORM BEFORE THE INVASION
On this day in 1862, the bloody Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill) raged during a blinding, torrential rainstorm. Following the disaster at Second Bull Run, Union forces desperately fought to halt "Stonewall" Jackson’s flanking maneuver.

The battle was chaotic, brutal, and fought largely with bayonets due to wet gunpowder. It cost the Union two of its finest generals: Philip Kearny and Isaac Stevens.

While tactically a draw, Chantilly was a massive strategic turning point. By pushing the Union army back into the defenses of Washington, it left the road completely open for Robert E. Lee. Just three days later, the Confederates crossed the Potomac River, launching the fateful Maryland Campaign that would culminate at Antietam. (Map of the Battle of Ox Hill, ABT)

Battle of OX HILL

 So I will be assembling some forces to run in this game (no details - so they will be some 'catch as catch can' troops from other battles) and setting out the tabletop for an engagement over the next few nights.