<< On May 7, 1864, Union Gen. George Meade ordered his chief of cavalry, Gen. Philip Sheridan, to clear the road to Spotsylania. Barring the way wsa a division of Confederated cavalry commanded by Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, posted here at Todd's Tavern. ... outflanked, Lee withdrew to the Piney Branch junction... his troops continued to hinder the Union army's march... Lee's resistance slowed the Union army's progress and ultimately led to the Confederates winning the race to Spotsylania. >>