The Battle of Manassas Plains, also known as the Second Battle of Bull Run or the Second Battle of Manassas, occurred on August 28-30, 1862. Therefore, there was no Battle of Manassas Plains on October 17, 1863. However, there was a minor cavalry engagement known as the Battle of Buckland Mills or the Buckland Races, which occurred on October 19, 1863, near Manassas Plains.

During the engagement, Confederate cavalry under General J.E.B. Stuart clashed with Union cavalry under General Judson Kilpatrick. The battle was part of the Bristoe Campaign, an effort by Union forces to disrupt Confederate supply lines and damage their infrastructure.

The Confederate cavalry was able to repel the Union attack and inflict significant casualties, including capturing several Union artillery pieces. However, the engagement did not have a significant impact on the larger campaign and was considered a minor skirmish in the context of the overall war.

The Battle of Buckland Mills highlighted the importance of cavalry in the Civil War and demonstrated the effectiveness of Confederate cavalry tactics. It also showed the resilience of Union forces and their determination to disrupt Confederate supply lines and infrastructure. While a minor engagement, the Battle of Buckland Mills contributed to the overall history of the Civil War and the important role of cavalry in the conflict.