The Battle of Culpeper Courthouse, also known as the Battle of Rappahannock Station, occurred on November 7, 1863, not November 20, 1863.

The engagement was part of the larger Bristoe Campaign, an effort by Union General George Meade to disrupt Confederate supply lines and infrastructure in Virginia. The battle saw Union forces under General John Sedgwick attack Confederate forces under General Richard Ewell at Rappahannock Station near Culpeper Courthouse.

The Union forces were able to surprise the Confederate troops, who were unprepared for the attack. The Union soldiers were able to cross the river and capture several Confederate artillery pieces, as well as a significant number of prisoners. However, the Union attack was ultimately unsuccessful, and they were forced to withdraw back across the river after suffering heavy casualties.

The Battle of Rappahannock Station demonstrated the importance of surprise and deception in warfare and showed the effectiveness of Union tactics in disrupting Confederate supply lines and infrastructure. The engagement also highlighted the bravery and determination of the soldiers who fought in the Civil War, on both sides.

Overall, the Battle of Rappahannock Station was a small but important engagement in the larger context of the Civil War. It contributed to the overall history of the conflict and demonstrated the strategic importance of Culpeper Courthouse and the surrounding area.