The Union victory opened up the Culpeper region to Federal control, a prelude to the subsequent Bristoe Campaign.

On September 12, 1863, the Army of the Potomac's 10,000-man Union cavalry corps under Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton left camp near Warrenton, Virginia, and crossed the Rappahannock River, where various elements concentrated near the hamlet of Sulphur Springs.

At 4 a.m. the following day, Pleasonton's three divisions moved forward nearly two miles, fording the Hazel River and approaching Culpeper.

The three columns converged at Culpeper and continued their advance, driving the Confederates towards the Rapidan River in heavy skirmishing.

Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren's II Corps occupied Culpeper Court House, although his infantry took no part in the cavalry skirmishing.