The Battle of Châteaudun took place in northwestern France during the Franco-Prussian War, which took place on 18 October 1870. In this battle, the Imperial German Army led by General Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig von Wittich attacked the city of Châteaudun and captured the city. During the nine-hour battle the attackers defeated forces that included Francs-tireurs led by Ernest de Lipowski who was of Polish origin. Although it ended in defeat, the resistance of the French army at Châteaudun is recorded by one document as legendary. The fighting at Châteaudun was immortalized by a painting by Philippoteaux (the original of which is now located in the Châteaudun mayor's office).
