During the American Civil War, at least six skirmishes were fought in or near Burlington between Union and Confederate forces in 1861 and 1863. The first three actions took place on September 2, 1861, and April 6 and 26, 1863 between the Ringgold Cavalry of Pennsylvania and confederate forces. On August 4, 1863, the union Washington County Cavalry company fought near the town, and the federal LaFayette County Cavalry company was engaged near it on October 13, 1863. On November 16, 1863, a company of the 2nd Maryland Infantry, Potomac Home Brigade and two Union companies of the 14th West Virginia Infantry were engaged with Confederate forces in a skirmish about three miles south of the town. Three union soldiers, First Lieutenant George W. Hardman, Sergeant Samuel H. Morris and Private William Gardner were killed.