We've improved and moved (closer to Richmond, that is)!
FROM HERE ON DOWN ARE THE HYPERTEXT LINKS TO
THE BATTLES LISTED ABOVE.
Amelia Springs
CWSAC Reference #: VA091
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: III.3 (Class C)
Location: Amelia County
Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)
Date(s): April 5, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George Crook [US]; Maj. Gen. Rosser and Maj.
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 250 total
Description: On April 5, Confederate cavalry under Fitzhugh Lee and Rosser
assaulted Union cavalry under George Crook as they returned from burning
Confederate wagons at Painesville. This running fight started north of Amelia
Springs and pushed through and beyond Jetersville.
Result(s): Inconclusive
CWSAC Reference #: VA097
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: III.1 (Class A)
Location: Appomattox County
Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)
Date(s): April 8-9, 1865
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Armies
Estimated Casualties: 700 total (27,805 Confederate soldiers paroled)
Description: Early on April 9, the remnants of John Broun Gordon's corps
and Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry formed line of battle at Appomattox Courthouse.
Gen. Robert E. Lee determined to make one last attempt to escape the closing
Union pincers and reach his supplies at Lynchburg. At dawn the Confederates
advanced, initially gaining ground against Sheridan's cavalry. The arrival
of Union infantry, however, stopped the advance in its tracks. Lee's army
was now surrounded on three sides. Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9. This
was the final engagement of the war in Virginia.
Result(s): Union victory
National Park Unit: Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
CWSAC Reference #: VA096
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class B)
Location: Appomattox County
Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)
Date(s): April 8, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George A. Custer [US]; Brig. Gen. Lindsay
Walker [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: Unknown
Description: Custer's division captured a supply train and twenty-five guns,
driving off and scattering the Confederate defenders. This unique action
pitted artillery without infantry support against cavalry. Custer captured
and burned three trains loaded with provisions for Lee's army.
Result(s): Union victory
Beaver Dam Creek
CWSAC Reference #: VA016
Other Names: Mechanicsville, Ellerson's Mill
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class B)
Location: Hanover County
Campaign: Peninsula Campaign (March-August 1862)
Date(s): June 26, 1862
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee
[CS]
Forces Engaged: 31,987 total (US 15,631; CS 16,356)
Estimated Casualties: 1,700 total (US 400; CS 1,300)
Description: Second of the Seven Days' Battles. Gen. Robert E. Lee initiated
his offensive against McClellan's right flank north of the Chickahominy River.
A.P. Hill threw his division, reinforced by one of D.H. Hill's brigades,
into a series of futile assaults against Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter's V
Corps, which was drawn up behind Beaver Dam Creek. Confederate attacks were
driven back with heavy casualties. Jackson's Shenandoah Valley divisions,
however, approached from the northeast, forcing Porter to withdraw in the
morning to a position behind Gaines' Mill.
Result(s): Union victory
National Park Unit: Richmond National Battlefield Park
Big Bethel
CWSAC Reference #: VA003
Other Names: Bethel Church, Great Bethel
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class C)
Location: York County and Hampton
Campaign: Blockade of the Chesapeake Bay (May-June 1861)
Date(s): June 10, 1861
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Pierce [US]; Col. John B. Magruder
and Col. D. H. Hill [CS]
Forces Engaged: 4,700 total (US 3,500; CS 1,200)
Estimated Casualties: 87 total (US 79; CS 8)
Description: First land battle in Virginia. Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler
sent converging columns from Hampton and Newport News against advanced
Confederate outposts at Little and Big Bethel. Confederates abandoned Little
Bethel and fell back to their entrenchments behind Brick Kiln Creek, near
Big Bethel Church. The Federals, under immediate command of Brig. Gen. Ebenezer
Pierce, pursued, attacked frontally along the road, and were repulsed. Crossing
downstream, the 5thNew York Zouaves attempted to turn the Confederate left
flank, but were repulsed. Unit commander Col. T. Wynthrop was killed. The
Union forces were disorganized and retired, returning to Hampton and Newport
News. The Confederates suffered 1 killed, 7 wounded.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Darbytown and New Market
Roads
CWSAC Reference #: VA077
Other Names: Johnson's Farm, Fourmile Creek
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class C)
Location: Henrico County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): October 7, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. A. Kautz and Maj. Gen. David Birney [US];
Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 1,750 total
Description: Responding to the loss of Fort Harrison and the increasing Federal
threat against Richmond, Gen. Robert E. Lee directed an offensive against
the Union far right flank on October 7. After routing the Federal cavalry
from their position covering Darbytown Road, Field's and Hoke's divisions
assaulted the main Union defensive line along New Market Road and were repulsed.
Confederate general John Gregg of Texas brigade was killed. The Federals
were not dislodged, and Lee withdrew into the Richmond defenses.
Result(s): Union victory
National Park Unit: Richmond National Battlefield Park
CWSAC Reference #: VA078
Other Names: Alms House
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class D)
Location: Henrico County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): October 13, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Alfred Terry [US]; Lt. Gen. Richard Anderson
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 950 total
Description: On October 13, Union forces advanced to find and feel the new
Confederate defensive line in front of Richmond. While mostly a battle of
skirmishers, a Federal brigade assaulted fortifications north of Darbytown
Road and was repulsed with heavy casualties. The Federals retired to their
entrenched lines along New Market Road.
Result(s): Confederate victory
National Park Unit: Richmond National Battlefield Park
CWSAC Reference #: VA069
Other Names: Darbytown, Strawberry Plains,
Preservation Priority: II.3 (Class C)
New Market Road
Location: Henrico County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): July 27-29, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock [US]; Maj. Gen. Charles
Field [CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 1,000 total
Description: During the night of 26-27 July, the Union II Corps and two divisions
of Sheridan's cavalry under command of Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock crossed
to the north side of James River at Deep Bottom to threaten Richmond. This
demonstration diverted Confederate forces from the impending attack at Petersburg
on July 30. Union efforts to turn the Confederate position at New Market
Heights and Fussell's Mill were abandoned when the Confederates strongly
reinforced their lines and counterattacked. During the night of July 29,
the Federals recrossed the River leaving a garrison as heretofore to hold
the Bridgehead at Deep Bottom.
Result(s): Confederate victory
National Park Unit: Richmond National Battlefield Park
Deep Bottom II
CWSAC Reference #: VA071
Other Names: New Market Road, Fussell's Mill, Bailey's Creek, Gravel Hill,
Charles City Road, and White's Tavern
Preservation Priority: I.3 (Class B)
Location: Henrico County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): August 13-20, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock [US]; Gen. Robert
E. Lee and Maj. Gen. Charles Field [CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 4,600 total
Description: During the night of August 13-14, the Union II Corps, X Corps,
and Gregg's cavalry division, all under command of Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott
Hancock, crossed James River at Deep Bottom to threaten Richmond, coordinating
with a movement against the Weldon Railroad at Petersburg. On August 14,
the X Corps closed on New Market Heights while the II Corps extended the
Federal line to the right along Bailey's Creek. During the night, the X Corps
was moved to the far right flank of the Union line near Fussell's Mill. On
August 16, Union assaults near Fussell's Mill were initially successful,
but Confederate counterattacks drove the Federals out of a line of captured
works. Heavy fighting continued throughout the remainder of the day. Confederate
general John Chambliss was killed during cavalry fighting on Charles City
Road. After continual skirmishing, the Federals returned to the south side
of the James on the 20th, maintaining their Bridgehead at Deep Bottom.
Result(s): Confederate victory
National Park Unit: Richmond National Battlefield Park
Dinwiddie Court House
CWSAC Reference #: VA086
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: II.3 (Class C)
Location: Dinwiddie County
Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)
Date(s): March 31, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Maj. Gen. George Pickett
[CS]
Forces Engaged: 65,277 total (US 45,247; CS 20,030)
Estimated Casualties: 821 total
Description: On March 29, with the Cavalry Corps and the II and V Corps,
Sheridan undertook a flank march to turn Lee's Petersburg defenses. A steady
downpour turned the roads to mud, slowing the advance. On March 31, Fitzhugh
Lee's Cavalry and Pickett's infantry division met the Union vanguard north
and northwest of Dinwiddie Courthouse and drove it back, temporarily stalling
Sheridan's movement. With Union infantry approaching from the east, Pickett
withdrew before daybreak to entrench at the vital road junction at Five Forks.
Lee ordered Pickett to hold this intersection at all hazard.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Fair Oaks Darbytown Road
CWSAC Reference #: VA080
Other Names: Fair Oaks
Preservation Priority: N/A (Class C)
Location: Henrico County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): October 27-28, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler [US]; Lt. Gen. Richard Anderson
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 1,750 total
Description: In combination with movements against the Boydton Plank Road
at Petersburg, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler attacked the Richmond defenses along
Darbytown Road with the X Corps. The XVIII Corps marched north to Fair Oaks
where it was soundly repulsed by Hoke's Confederate division. Confederate
forces counterattacked, taking some 600 prisoners. The Richmond defenses
remained intact. Of Grant's offensives north of the James River, this was
repulsed most easily.
Result(s): Confederate victory
National Park Unit: Richmond National Battlefield Park
CWSAC Reference #: VA088
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: III.1 (Class A)
Location: Dinwiddie County
Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)
Date(s): April 1, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Maj. Gen. George Pickett
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 6,030 total
Description: Gen. Robert E. Lee ordered Maj. Gen. George Pickett with his
infantry division and Munford's, W.H.F. Lee's, and Rosser's cavalry divisions
to hold the vital crossroads of Five Forks at all hazard. On April 1, while
Sheridan's cavalry pinned the Confederate force in position, the V Corps
under G.K. Warren attacked and overwhelmed the Confederate left flank, taking
many prisoners. Sheridan personally directed the attack, which extended Lee's
Petersburg lines to the breaking point. Loss of Five Forks threatened Lee's
last supply line, the Southside Railroad. The next morning, Lee informed
Jefferson Davis that Petersburg and Richmond must be evacuated. Union general
Winthrop was killed; Willie" Pegram, beloved Confederate artillery officer,
was killed. Dissatisfied with his performance at Five Forks, Sheridan relieved
Warren of command of the V Corps.
Result(s): Union victory
National Park Unit: Petersburg National Battlefield
CWSAC Reference #: VA013
Other Names: Slash Church
Preservation Priority: III.3 (Class C)
Location: Hanover County
Campaign: Peninsula Campaign (March-August 1862)
Date(s): May 27, 1862
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter [US]; Brig. Gen. Lawrence
O'B. Branch [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 1,327 total (US 397; CS 930)
Description: On May 27, 1862, elements of Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter's V
Corps extended north to protect the right flank of McClellan's Union army
that now straddled the Chickahominy River. Porter's objective was to cut
the railroad and to open the Telegraph Road for Union reinforcements under
Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell that were marching south from Fredericksburg.
Confederate forces, attempting to prevent this maneuver, were defeated just
south of Hanover Courthouse after a stiff fight. The Union victory was moot,
however, for McDowell's reinforcements were recalled to Fredericksburg upon
word of Banks's rout at First Winchester.
Result(s): Union victory
CWSAC Reference #: VA083
Other Names: Dabney's Mill, Rowanty Creek,
Preservation Priority: II.2 (Class B)
Armstrong's Mill, Vaughan Road
Location: Dinwiddie County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): February 5-7, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. A.A. Humphreys and Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren
[US]; Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon [CS]
Forces Engaged: 48,352 total (US 34,517; CS 13,835)
Estimated Casualties: 2,700 total
Description: On February 5, David McM. Gregg's cavalry division rode out
to the Boydton Plank Road via Reams' Station and Dinwiddie Court House in
an attempt to intercept Confederate supply trains. Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren
with the V Corps crossed Hatcher's Run and took up a blocking position on
the Vaughan Road to prevent interference with Gregg's operations. Two divisions
of the II Corps under Maj. Gen. A.A. Humphreys shifted west to near Armstrong's
Mill to cover Warren's right flank. Late in the day, Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon
attempted to turn Humphreys right flank near the mill but was repulsed. During
the night, the Federals were reinforced by two divisions. On February 6,
Gregg returned to Gravelly Run on the Vaughan Road from his unsuccessful
raid and was attacked by elements of Pegram's division. Warren pushed forward
a reconnaissance in the vicinity of Dabney's Mill and was attacked by Pegram's
and Mahone's divisions. Confederate Brig. Gen. Pegram was killed in the action.
Although the Union advance was stopped, the Federals extended their siege
works to the Vaughan Road crossing of Hatcher's Run.
Result(s): Union gained ground
CWSAC Reference #: VA065
Other Names: First Battle of Weldon Railroad
Preservation Priority: IV.1 (Class B)
Location: Dinwiddie County and Petersburg
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 21-24, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant and Maj. Gen. G.G. Meade [US];
Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 4,000 total
Description: On June 21, the Union II Corps, supported by the VI Corps, attempted
to cut the Weldon Railroad, one of the major supply lines into Petersburg.
The movement was preceded by Wilson's cavalry division which began destroying
tracks. On June 23, troops from Lt. Gen. A.P. Hill's corps led by Brig. Gen.
William Mahone counterattacked, forcing the IICorps away from the railroad
to positions on the Jerusalem Plank Road. Although the Federals were driven
from their advanced positions, they were able to extend their siege lines
farther to the west.
Result(s): Union gained ground
CWSAC Reference #: VA064
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class C)
Location: Lynchburg
Campaign: Lynchburg Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): June 17-18, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. David Hunter [US]; Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps (44,000 total)
Estimated Casualties: 900 total
Description: From Lexington, Maj. Gen. David Hunter advanced against the
Confederate rail and canal depots and the hospital complex at Lynchburg.
Reaching the outskirts of town on June 17, his first tentative attacks were
thwarted by the timely arrival by rail of Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early's II Corps
vanguard from Charlottesville. Hunter withdrew the next day after sporadic
fighting because of a critical shortage of supplies. His line of retreat
through West Virginia took his army out of the war for nearly a month and
opened the Shenandoah Valley for a Confederate advance into Maryland.
Result(s): Confederate victory
CWSAC Reference #: VA075
Other Names: Combats at New Market Heights, Forts Harrison and Gilmer; Laurel
Hill
Preservation Priority: I.3 (Class B)
Location: Henrico County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): September 29-30, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee
and Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell [CS]
Forces Engaged: Armies
Estimated Casualties: 4,430 total
Description: During the night of September 28-29, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler's
Army of the James crossed James River to assault the Richmond defenses north
of the River. The columns attacked at dawn. After initial Union successes
at New Market Heights and Fort Harrison, the Confederates rallied and contained
the breakthrough. Lee reinforced his lines north of the James and, on September
30, he counterattacked unsuccessfully. The Federals entrenched, and the
Confederates erected a new line of works cutting off the captured forts.
Confederate general Dunovant was killed. Union general Burnham was killed.
As Grant anticipated, Lee shifted troops to meet the threat against Richmond,
weakening his lines at Petersburg.
Result(s): Union victory
National Park Unit: Richmond National Battlefield Park
CWSAC Reference #: VA055
Other Names: Telegraph Road Bridge, Jericho Mill (May 23), Ox Ford, Quarles
Mill, Hanover Junction (May 24)
Preservation Priority: I.3 (Class B)
Location: Caroline County and Hanover County
Campaign: Grant's Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 23-26, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant and Maj. Gen. G.G. Meade [US];
Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Armies
Estimated Casualties: 4,000 total
Description: After the fighting at Spotsylvania Court House, Grant continued
his Overland Offensive against Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. He was brought
up short on the North Anna River by Lee's widely studied hog snout line,"
which forced Grant to divide his army into three parts in order to attack.
On May 23, 1864, one of A.P. Hill's divisions assaulted the V Corps which
had crossed the River at Jericho Mill, resulting in bloody see-saw fighting.
On the 24th, Union infantry was repulsed at Ox Ford (the snout") but advanced
to near the Doswell House on the Confederate right. Lee hoped to strike an
offensive blow, but he was ill, and the opportunity for defeating an isolated
part of the Federal army passed. Once the threat of Lee's position was revealed,
Grant withdrew both wings of the army back across the North Anna River. Grant
outflanked the position by moving downstream and continued his advance on
Richmond.
Result(s): Inconclusive
CWSAC Reference #: VA098
Other Names: Old Men and Young Boys
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class D)
Location: Petersburg
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 9, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Quincy Gillmore [US]; Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard
Forces Engaged: 6,500 (US 4,500; CS 2,500)
Estimated Casualties: 120 total
Description: On June 9, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler dispatched about 4,500
cavalry and infantry against the 2,500 Confederate defenders of Petersburg.
While Butler's infantry demonstrated against the outer line of entrenchments
east of Petersburg, Kautz's cavalry division attempted to enter the city
from the south via the Jerusalem Plank Road but was repulsed by Home Guards.
Afterwards, Butler withdrew. This was called the battle of old men and young
boys" by local residents. On June 14-17, the Army of the Potomac crossed
the James River and began moving towards Petersburg to support and renew
Butler's assaults.
Result(s): Confederate victory
National Park Unit: Petersburg National Battlefield
CWSAC Reference #: VA063
Other Names: Assault on Petersburg
Preservation Priority: III.1 (Class A)
Location: Petersburg
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 15-18, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant and Maj. Gen. G.G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee and Gen. P.G.T.
Beauregard [CS]
Forces Engaged: 104,000 total (US 62,000; CS 42,000)
Estimated Casualties: 11,386 total (US 8,150; CS 3,236)
Description: Marching from Cold Harbor, Meade's Army of the Potomac crossed
the James River on transports and a 2,200-foot long pontoon Bridge at Windmill
Point. Butler's leading elements (XVIII Corps and Kautz's cavalry) crossed
the Appomattox River at Broadway Point and attacked the Petersburg defenses
on June 15. The 5,400 defenders of Petersburg under command of Gen. P.G.T.
Beauregard were driven from their first line of entrenchments back to Harrison
Creek. After dark the XVIII Corps was relieved by the II Corps. On June 16,
the II Corps captured another section of the Confederate line; on the 17th,
the IX Corps gained more ground. Beauregard stripped the Howlett Line
(Bermuda Hundred
)
to defend the city, and Lee rushed reinforcements to Petersburg from the
Army of Northern Virginia. The II, XI, and V Corps from right to left attacked
on June 18 but was repulsed with heavy casualties. By now the Confederate
works were heavily manned and the greatest opportunity to capture Petersburg
without a siege was lost. The siege of Petersburg began. Union general James
St. Clair Morton, chief engineer of the IX Corps, was killed on June 17.
Result(s): Confederate victory
National Park Unit: Petersburg National Battlefield
Petersburg III
CWSAC Reference #: VA089
Other Names: The Breakthrough
Preservation Priority: I.1 (Class A)
Location: Petersburg
Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)
Date(s): April 2, 1865
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Armies
Estimated Casualties: 6,400 total
Description: With Confederate defeat at Five Forks on April 1, Grant and
Meade ordered a general assault against the Petersburg lines by II, IX, VI
and XXIV Corps on April 2. A heroic defense of Fort Gregg by a handful of
Confederates prevented the Federals from entering the city that night. Lt.
Gen. A.P. Hill was killed trying to reach his troops in the confusion. After
dark, Lee ordered the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond. Grant had achieved
one of the major military objectives of the war: the capture of Petersburg,
which led to the fall of Richmond, the Capitol of the Confederacy.
Result(s): Union victory
National Park Unit: Petersburg National Battlefield
CWSAC Reference #: VA068
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: III.3 (Class C)
Location: Dinwiddie County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 29, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. James Wilson and Brig. Gen. August Kautz [US]; Maj. Gen. William Mahone and Maj.
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 600 total (1,817 for entire raid)
Description: Early morning June 29, Brig. Gen. August Kautz's division reached
Reams Station on the Weldon Railroad, which was thought to be held by Union
infantry. Instead, Kautz found the road barred by Mahone's Confederate infantry
division. Wilson's division, fighting a rearguard action against elements
of William H.F. Rooney" Lee's cavalry, joined Kautz's near Reams Station,
where they were virtually surrounded. About noon, Mahone's infantry assaulted
their front while Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry division threatened the Union left
flank. The raiders burned their wagons and abandoned their artillery. Separated
by the Confederate attacks, Wilson and his men cut their way through and
fled south on the Halifax Road to cross Nottoway River, while Kautz went
cross-country, reaching Federal lines at Petersburg about dark. Wilson continued
east to the Blackwater River before turning north, eventually reaching Union
lines at Light House Point on July 2. The Wilson-Kautz raid tore up more
than 60 miles of track, temporarily disrupting rail traffic into Petersburg,
but at a great cost in men and mounts.
Result(s): Confederate victory
CWSAC Reference #: VA073
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: III.3 (Class C)
Location: Dinwiddie County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): August 25, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Winfield Hancock [US]; Maj. Gen. Henry Heth
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 3,492 total
Description: On August 24, Union II Corps moved south along the Weldon Railroad,
tearing up track, preceded by Gregg's cavalry division. On August 25, Heth
attacked and overran the faulty Union position at Reams Station, capturing
9 guns, 12 colors, and taking many prisoners. The old II Corps was shattered.
Gen. Hancock withdrew to the main Union line near Globe Tavern, bemoaning
the declining combat effectiveness of his troops.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Rice's Station
CWSAC Reference #: VA092
Other Names: Rice's Depot
Preservation Priority: II.4 (Class D)
Location: Prince Edward County
Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)
Date(s): April 6, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. John Gibbon [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: Few
Description: On April 6, Longstreet's command reached Rice's Station, its
farthest point south, where it was blocked by Union XXIV Corps. After some
skirmishing, Longstreet withdrew over the High Bridge during the night toward
Farmville.
Result(s): Union victory
CWSAC Reference #: VA067
Other Names: Stony Creek Depot
Preservation Priority: III.4 (Class D)
Location: Sussex County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 28, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. James Wilson and Brig. Gen. August Kautz
[US]; Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 1,817 for entire raid
Description: Maj. Gen. William H.F. Rooney" Lee's cavalry division pursued
Wilson's and Kautz's raiders who failed to destroy the Staunton River Bridge
on June 25. Wilson and Kautz headed east and, on June 28, crossed the Nottoway
River at the Double Bridges and headed north to the Stony Creek Depot on
the Weldon Railroad. Here, they were attacked by Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton's
cavalry division. Later in the day, William H. F. Lee's Division arrived
to join forces with Hampton, and the Federals were heavily pressured. During
the night, Wilson and Kautz disengaged and pressed north on the Halifax Road
for the supposed security of Reams Station, abandoning many fleeing slaves
who had sought security with the Federal raiders.
Result(s): Confederate victory
CWSAC Reference #: VA113
Other Names: Blacks and Whites, Old Men and Young Boys
Preservation Priority: III.3 (Class C)
Location: Halifax County and Charlotte
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 25, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. James Wilson and Brig. Gen. August Kautz [US]; Maj. Gen. William H.F. Rooney"
Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions (4,000 total)
Estimated Casualties: 150 total
Description: On June 22, the cavalry divisions of Brig. Gen. James Wilson
and Brig. Gen. August Kautz were dispatched from the Petersburg lines to
disrupt Confederate rail communications. Riding via Dinwiddie Court House,
the raiders cut the Southside Railroad near Ford's Station that evening,
destroying tracks, railroad buildings, and two supply trains. On June 23,Kautz
proceeded to the junction of the Richmond & Danville Railroad at Burke
Station, where he encountered elements of William H.F. Lee's cavalry near
Nottoway Court House at Blacks and Whites (modern-day Blackstone). Wilson
followed Kautz along the Southside Railroad, destroying about thirty miles
of track as he advanced. On June 24, while Kautz remained skirmishing around
Burkeville, Wilson crossed over to Meherrin Station on the Richmond &
Danville and began destroying track. On June 25, Wilson and Kautz continued
tearing up track south to the Staunton River Bridge, where they were delayed
by Home Guards, who prevented destruction of the Bridge. Lee's cavalry division
closed on the Federals from the northeast, forcing them to abandon their
attempts to capture and destroy the Bridge. By this time, the raiders were
nearly 100 miles from Union lines.
Result(s): Confederate victory
CWSAC Reference #: VA031
Other Names: Fort Huger, Hill's Point
Preservation Priority: II.3 (Class C)
Location: Suffolk
Campaign: Longstreet's Tidewater Operations (February-May 1863)
Date(s): April 11-May 4, 1863
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. John Peck [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions (45,000 total)
Estimated Casualties: 152 total (1,160 for entire siege)
Description: On April 19, a Union infantry force landed on Hill's Point at
the confluence of the forks of the Nansemond River. This amphibious force
assaulted Fort Huger from the rear, quickly capturing its garrison, thus
reopening the River to Union shipping. On April 24, Brig. Gen. Michael Corcoran's
Union division mounted a reconnaissance-in-force from Fort Dix against Maj.
Gen. George E. Pickett's extreme right flank. The Federals approached cautiously
and were easily repulsed. On April 29, Gen. Robert E. Lee directed Longstreet
to disengage from Suffolk and rejoin the Army of Northern Virginia at
Fredericksburg. By May 4, the last of Longstreet's command had crossed the
Blackwater River en route to Richmond.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Suffolk
CWSAC Reference #: VA030
Other Names: Norfleet House Battery
Preservation Priority: IV.1 (Class C)
Location: Suffolk
Campaign: Longstreet's Tidewater Operations (February-May 1863)
Date(s): April 11-May 4, 1863
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. John Peck [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions (45,000 total)
Estimated Casualties: (1,160 entire siege)
Description: In cooperation with D.H. Hill's advance on Washington, North
Carolina, Lt. Gen. James Longstreet with Hood's and Pickett's divisions besieged
the Union garrison at Suffolk commanded by Brig. Gen. John Peck. The Union
works were formidable and manned by 25,000 men, opposed to Longstreet's 20,000.
On April 13, the Confederate troops pushed their left flank to the Nansemond
River and constructed a battery on Hill's Point, which closed off the garrison
to Union shipping. On April 14, Union gunboats attempted to run the batteries
at the Norfleet House slightly upstream, but Mount Washington was crippled.
The Federals, at the same time, constructed batteries to command the Confederate
works at Norfleet House. On April 15, these batteries were unmasked and opened
fire, driving the Confederates out of this important position.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Williamsburg
CWSAC Reference #: VA010
Other Names: Fort Magruder
Preservation Priority: III.2 (Class B)
Location: York County and Williamsburg
Campaign: Peninsula Campaign (March-August 1862)
Date(s): May 5, 1862
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan [US]; Maj. Gen. James
Longstreet [CS]
Forces Engaged: 72,591 total (US 40,768; CS 31,823)
Estimated Casualties: 3,843 total (US 2,283; CS 1,560)
Description: In the first pitched battle of the Peninsula Campaign, nearly
41,000 Federals and 32,000 Confederates were engaged. Following up the
Confederate retreat from Yorktown, Hooker's division encountered the Confederate
rear guard near Williamsburg. Hooker assaulted Fort Magruder, an earthen
fortification alongside the Williamsburg Road, but was repulsed. Confederate
counterattacks, directed by Maj. Gen. James Longstreet, threatened to overwhelm
the Union left flank, until Kearny's division arrived to stabilize the Federal
position. Hancock's brigade then moved to threaten the Confederate left flank,
occupying two abandoned redoubts. The Confederates counterattacked
unsuccessfully. Hancock's localized success was not exploited. The Confederate
army continued its withdrawal during the night.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Yorktown
CWSAC Reference #: VA009
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: III.2 (Class B)
Location: York County and Newport News
Campaign: Peninsula Campaign (March-August 1862)
Date(s): April 5-May 4, 1862
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan [US]; Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder and Gen. Joseph E. Johnston
[CS]
Forces Engaged: Armies
Estimated Casualties: 320 total
Description: Marching from Fort Monroe, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's army
encountered Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder's small Confederate army at Yorktown
behind the Warwick River. Magruder's theatrics convinced the Federals that
his works were strongly held. McClellan suspended the march up the Peninsula
toward Richmond, ordered the construction of siege fortifications, and brought
his heavy siege guns to the front. In the meantime, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston
brought reinforcements for Magruder. On 16 April, Union forces probed a weakness
in the Confederate line at Lee's Mill orDam No. 1, resulting in about 309
casualties. Failure to exploit the initial success of this attack, however,
held up McClellan for two additional weeks, while he tried to convince his
navy to maneuver the Confederates big guns at Yorktown and Gloucester Point
and ascend the York River to West Point thus outflanking the Warwick Line.
McClellan planned for a massive bombardment to begin at dawn on May 4, but
the Confederate army slipped away in the night toward Williamsburg.
Result(s): Inconclusive
National Park Unit: Colonial National Historical Park
CWSAC Reference #: NC005
Other Names: Camden
Preservation Priority: III.4 (Class D)
Location: Camden County
Campaign: Burnside's North Carolina Expedition (January-July 1862)
Date(s): April 19, 1862
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Jesse Lee Reno [US]; Col. Ambrose Wright
[CS]
Forces Engaged: 21st Massachusetts and 51st Pennsylvania [US]; 3rd Georgia
[CS]
Estimated Casualties: 150 total
Description: Learning that the Confederates were building iron clads at Norfolk,
Burnside planned an expedition to destroy the Dismal Swamp Canal locks to
prevent transfer of the ships to Albemarle Sound. He entrusted the operation
to Brig. Gen. Jesse Lee Reno's command, which embarked on transports from
Roanoke Island on April 18. By midnight, the convoy reached Elizabeth City
and began disembarking troops. Morning April 19, Reno marched north on the
road to South Mills. At the crossroads a few miles below South Mills, elements
of Col. Ambrose Wright command delayed the Federals until dark. Reno abandoned
the expedition and withdrew during the night to the transports at Elizabeth
City. The transports carried Reno's troops to New Berne where they arrived
on April 22.
Result(s): Inconclusive (Federals withdrew.)