Civil War Battles in Virginia 1864
They are in the order in which they occurred during the Civil War.
Since Virginia saw the most battles during the Civil War I have broken them down by each year.
- Civil War Battles in Virginia 1861
- Civil War Battles in Virginia 1862
- Civil War Battles in Virginia 1863
- Civil War Battles in Virginia 1865
Civil War Battles in Virginia in 1864
Morton’s Ford
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Rapidan River
Location: Orange County and Culpeper County
Campaign: Demonstration on the Rapidan River (February 1864)
Date(s): February 6-7, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. J.C. Caldwell [US]; Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 723 total
Description: To distract attention from a planned cavalry-infantry raid up the Peninsula on Richmond, the Federal army forced several crossings of the Rapidan River on February 6. A II Corps division crossed at Morton’s Ford, the I Corps at Raccoon Ford. Union cavalry crossed at Robertson’s Ford. Ewell’s Corps resisted the crossings. Fighting was sporadic but most severe at Morton’s Ford. By February 7, the attacks had stalled, and the Federals withdrew during the night.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Wilderness
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Combats at Parker’s Store, Craig’s Meeting House, Todd’s Tavern, Brock Road, the Furnaces
Location: Spotsylvania County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 5-7, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: 162,920 total (US 101,895; CS 61,025)
Estimated Casualties: 29,800 total (US 18,400; CS 11,400)
Description: The opening battle of Grant’s sustained offensive against the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, known as the Overland Campaign, was fought at the Wilderness, May 5-7. On the morning of May 5, 1864, the Union V Corps attacked Ewell’s Corps on the Orange Turnpike, while A.P. Hill’s corps during the afternoon encountered Getty’s Division (VI Corps) and Hancock’s II Corps on the Plank Road. Fighting was fierce but inconclusive as both sides attempted to maneuver in the dense woods. Darkness halted the fighting, and both sides rushed forward reinforcements.
At dawn on May 6, Hancock attacked along the Plank Road, driving Hill’s Corps back in confusion. Longstreet’s Corps arrived in time to prevent the collapse of the Confederate right flank. At noon, a devastating Confederate flank attack in Hamilton’s Thicket sputtered out when Lt. Gen. James Longstreet was wounded by his own men. The IX Corps (Burnside) moved against the Confederate center, but was repulsed. Union generals James S. Wadsworth and Alexander Hays were killed. Confederate generals John M. Jones, Micah Jenkins, and Leroy A. Stafford were killed. The battle was a tactical draw. Grant, however, did not retreat as had the other Union generals before him. On May 7, the Federals advanced by the left flank toward the crossroads of Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Result(s): Inconclusive (Grant continued his offensive.)
Port Walthall Junction
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: None
Location: Chesterfield County
Campaign: Bermuda Hundred Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 6-7, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler [US]; Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 550 total
Description:In conjunction with the opening of Grants Overland Campaign, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler’s Army of the James, 33,000 strong, disembarked from transports at Bermuda Hundred on May 5, threatening the Richmond-Petersburg Railroad. On May 6, Hagood’s brigade stopped initial Federal probes at Port Walthall Junction. On May 7, a Union division drove Hagood’s and Johnson’s brigades from the depot and cut the railroad at Port Walthall Junction. Confederate defenders retired behind Swift Run Creek and awaited reinforcements.
Result(s): Union victory
Spotsylvania Court House
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Combats at Laurel Hill and Corbin’s Bridge (May 8); Ni River (May 9); Laurel Hill, Po River, and Bloody Angle (May 10); Salient or Bloody Angle (May 12-13); Piney Branch Church (May 15); Harrison House (May 18); Harris Farm (May 19)
Location: Spotsylvania County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 8-21, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: 152,000 total (US 100,000; CS 52,000)
Estimated Casualties: 30,000 total (US 18,000; CS 12,000)
Description: After the Wilderness, Grant’s and Meade’s advance on Richmond by the left flank was stalled at Spotsylvania Court House on May 8. This two-week battle was a series of combats along the Spotsylvania front. The Union attack against the Bloody Angle at dawn, May 12-13, captured nearly a division of Lee’s army and came near to cutting the Confederate army in half.
Confederate counterattacks plugged the gap, and fighting continued unabated for nearly 20 hours in what may well have been the most ferociously sustained combat of the Civil War. On May 19, a Confederate attempt to turn the Union right flank at Harris Farm was beaten back with severe casualties. Union generals Sedgwick (VI Corps commander) and Rice were killed. Confederate generals Johnson and Steuart were captured, Daniel and Perrin mortally wounded. On May 21, Grant disengaged and continued his advance on Richmond.
Result(s): Inconclusive (Grant continued his offensive.)
Cloyd’s Mountain
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: None
Location: Pulaski County
Campaign: Crook-Averell Raid on the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad (May 1864)
Date(s): May 9, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. George Crook [US]; Brig. Gen. Albert Jenkins [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions (approx. 10,000)
Estimated Casualties: 1,500 total
Description: On May 9, Crook’s three brigades (6,100 men) on a raid into southwestern Virginia encountered a patchwork Confederate force under Brig. Gen. Albert Jenkins at Cloyd’s Mountain. Fighting was furious and hand-to-hand. Casualties were heavy for the size of the forces engaged: Union 10%, Confederate 23%. Jenkins was mortally wounded. Crook afterwards joined forces with Averell, who had burned the New River Bridge, and the united column withdrew to Meadow Bluff after destroying several important railroad bridges.
Result(s): Union victory
Swift Creek
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Arrowfield Church
Location: Chesterfield County
Campaign: Bermuda Hundred Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 9, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler [US]; Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 990 total
Description: On May 9, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler made a thrust toward Petersburg and was met by Bushrod Johnson’s Division at Swift Creek. A premature Confederate attack at Arrowfield Church was driven back with heavy losses, but Union forces did not follow up. After skirmishing, Butler seemed content to tear up the railroad tracks and did not press the defenders.
In conjunction with the advance to Swift Creek, five Federal gunboats steamed up the Appomattox River to bombard Fort Clifton, while Hincks’s U.S. Colored Troops infantry division struggled through marshy ground from the land side. The gunboats were quickly driven off, and the infantry attack was abandoned.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Chester Station
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: None
Location: Chesterfield County
Campaign: Bermuda Hundred Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 10, 1864
Principal Commanders:Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler [US]; Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 569 total
Description: On May 10, elements of Maj. Gen. Robert Ransom’s division conducted a reconnaissance-in-force against a portion of Butler’s army that was destroying the railroad at Chester Station. The Confederates attacked near the Winfree House, and the Federals retired to their Bermuda Hundred lines.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Cove Mountain
Other Names: None
Location: Wythe County
Campaign: Crook-Averell Raid on the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad (May 1864)
Date(s): May 10, 1864
Principal Commanders:Brig. Gen. William W. Averell [US]; Brig. Gen. William. E. Jones [CS]
Forces Engaged: Brigades
Estimated Casualties: 300 total
Description: On May 10, Brig. Gen. W.W. Averell’s raiders encountered a brigade under William Grumble Jones near Cove Mountain. After delaying the Union advance, the Confederates withdrew. The next day, Averell reached the New River Bridge on the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, which he burned.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Yellow Tavern
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: None
Location: Henrico County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 11, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 800 total
Description: As the battle between Grant and Lee raged at Spotsylvania Court House, the Union cavalry corps under Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan embarked on a cavalry raid against Richmond. After disrupting Lee’s road and rail communications, Sheridan’s cavalry expedition climaxed with the battle of Yellow Tavern on May 11. The outnumbered Confederate cavalry was defeated, and Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart was mortally wounded. Sheridan continued south to threaten the Richmond defenses before joining Butler’s command at Bermuda Hundred. After refitting, Sheridan rejoined the Army of the Potomac on May 25 for the march to the southeast and the crossing of the Pamunkey.
Result(s): Union victory
Proctor’s Creek
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Drewry’s Bluff, Fort Darling
Location: Chesterfield County
Campaign: Bermuda Hundred Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 12-16, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler [US]; Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard [CS]
Forces Engaged: 48,000 total (US 30,000; CS 18,000)
Estimated Casualties: 6,660 total
Description: After his repulse at Swift Creek and Fort Clifton on May 9, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler withdrew into his entrenchments at Bermuda Hundred. A Confederate army of 18,000 was patched together under command of Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard to confront Butler’s 30,000. On May 12, Butler moved north against the Confederate line at Drewry’s Bluff but again adopted a defensive posture when his attack was not supported by gunboats. On the 13th a Union column struck the right flank of the Confederate line at the Wooldridge House, carrying a line of works.
Butler remained cautious, however, giving Beauregard time to concentrate his forces. On May 16 at dawn, Ransom’s Confederate division opened an attack on Butler’s right flank, routing many units. Subsequent attacks lost direction in the fog, but the Federals were disorganized and demoralized. After severe fighting, Butler extricated himself from battle, withdrawing again to his Bermuda Hundred Line. This battle stopped Butler’s offensive against Richmond.
Result(s): Confederate victory
New Market
Other Names: None
Location: Shenandoah County, Virginia
Campaign: Lynchburg Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 15, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel [US]; Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge [CS]
Forces Engaged: 10,365 total (US 6,275; CS 4,090)
Estimated Casualties: 1,380 total (US 840; CS 540)
Description: In conjunction with his Spring offensive, Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant ordered Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel to move up the Shenandoah Valley along the Valley Pike with 10,000 men to destroy the railroad and canal complex at Lynchburg. At New Market on the 15th, Sigel was attacked by a makeshift Confederate army of about 4,100 men commanded by Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge. At a crucial point, a key Union battery was withdrawn from the line to replenish its ammunition, leaving a weakness that Breckinridge was quick to exploit.
He ordered his entire force forward, and Sige’s stubborn defense collapsed. Threatened by the Confederate cavalry on his left flank and rear, Sigel ordered a general withdrawal burning the North Fork bridge behind him. Sigel retreated down the Valley to Strasburg and was soon replaced by Maj. Gen. David Hunter.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Ware Bottom Church
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: None
Location: Chesterfield County
Campaign: Bermuda Hundred Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 20, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler [US]; Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard [CS]
Forces Engaged:Divisions (10,000 total)
Estimated Casualties: 1,500 total
Description: On May 20, Confederate forces under Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard attacked Butler’s Bermuda Hundred line near Ware Bottom Church. About 10,000 troops were involved in this action. After driving back Butler’s advanced pickets, the Confederates constructed the Howlett Line, effectively bottling up the Federals at Bermuda Hundred. Confederate victories at Proctor’s Creek and Ware Bottom Church enabled Beauregard to detach strong reinforcements for Lee’s army in time for the fighting at Cold Harbor.
Result(s): Confederate victory
North Anna
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Telegraph Road Bridge, Jericho Mill (May 23); Ox Ford, Quarles Mill, Hanover Junction (May 24)
Location: Caroline County and Hanover County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 23-26, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George 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
Wilson’s Wharf
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Fort Pocahontas
Location: Charles City
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 24, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Edward Wild [US]; Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Brigades
Estimated Casualties: 165 total
Description:On May 24, Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry division (about 3,000 men) attacked the Union supply depot at Wilson’s Wharf and was repulsed by two black regiments under Brig. Gen. Edward Wild (about 1,800 men).
Result(s): Union victory
Totopotomoy Creek
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Bethesda Church, Crumps Creek, Matadequin Creek, Shady Grove Road, Hanovertown
Location: Hanover County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 28-30, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 2,200 total (US 1,100; CS 1,100)
Description: Operations along Totopotomoy Creek opened with cavalry combats at the Pamunkey River crossing at Dabney’s Ferry (Hanovertown) and at Crump’s Creek on May 27. During the cavalry fight at Haw’s Shop on May 28, Union and Confederate infantry arrived in the vicinity. The Confederates entrenched behind Totopotomoy Creek. On the 29th, the Union II, IX, and V Corps probed Lee’s position along the creek, while the VI Corps felt its way toward Hanover Court House. Early on the 30th, the VI Corps turned south to come in on the far right flank of the Union line (II Corps) but bogged down in swampy Crump’s Creek without getting into position.
The II Corps forced a crossing of Totopotomoy Creek in two places, capturing the first line of Confederate trenches, but the advance was stopped at the main line. The IX Corps maneuvered into position on the left of the II Corps, driving back Confederate pickets on the Shady Grove Road. In the meantime, the V Corps, moving near Bethesda Church on the far left flank of the Union army, was attacked by Early’s corps. The Federals were driven back to Shady Grove Road after heavy fighting. Confederate Brig. Gen. George Doles was killed by a sharpshooter near Bethesda Church on June 2.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Haw’s Shop
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Enon Church
Location: Hanover County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 28, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. David M. Gregg [US]; Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee and Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 744 total (US 344; CS 400)
Description: Gregg’s cavalry division, supported by Torbert’s division, advanced to cover the Army of the Potomac’s crossing of the Pamunkey River and movement toward Totopotomoy Creek. Fitzhugh Lee’s and Hampton’s cavalry divisions, later reinforced by Butler’s South Carolina brigade, met the Federals at Enon Church. After seven hours of mostly dismounted cavalry fighting, the Federal advance was stopped. Both Confederate and Union infantry began arriving in the vicinity as the cavalry fighting raged.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Old Church
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Matadequin Creek
Location: Hanover County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 30, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Alfred Torbert [US]; Brig. Gen. Matthew C. Butler [CS]
Forces Engaged: Brigades
Estimated Casualties: 900 total
Description: With the armies stalemated along the Totopotomoy Creek line, the Federal cavalry began probing east and south. On May 30, Torbert’s Division attacked and defeated Butler’s Brigade near Old Church. Butler’s troopers were driven steadily back on the road to Old Cold Harbor, opening the door for Sheridan’s capture of the important crossroads the next day.
Result(s): Union victory
Piedmont
Other Names: Piedmont
Location: Augusta County
Campaign: Lynchburg Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s):June 5-6, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. David Hunter [US]; Brig. Gen. William E. Jones [CS]
Forces Engaged: 14,000 total (US 8,500; CS 5,500)
Estimated Casualties: 2,375 total (US 875; CS 1500)
Description: After replacing Sigel in command of Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley, Maj. Gen. David Black Dave Hunter renewed the Union offensive. On June 5, Hunter engaged the Confederate army under Grumble Jones north of Piedmont. After severe fighting, a flanking movement made by Thoburn’s brigade turned Jone’s right flank.
While trying to stem the retreat of his soldiers, Jones was killed. The retreat became a rout. More than 1,000 Confederates, including 60 officers, were captured. Jones lost three guns. Hunter occupied Staunton on June 6 and, after a pause to await the arrival of Brig. Gen. George Crook’s column, began to advance on Lynchburg, destroying military stores and public property in his wake.
Result(s): Union victory
Petersburg
Other Names: Old Men and Young Boys
Location: City of 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: 7,000 (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
Trevilian Station
Other Names: Trevilians
Location: Louisa County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): June 11-12, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 1,600 total
Description: To draw off the Confederate cavalry and open the door for a general movement to the James River, Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan mounted a large-scale cavalry raid into Louisa County, threatening to cut the Virginia Central Railroad. On June 11, Sheridan with the Gregg’s and Torbert’s divisions attacked Hampton’s and Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry divisions at Trevilian Station. Sheridan drove a wedge between the Confederate divisions, throwing them into confusion.
On the 12th, fortunes were reversed. Hampton and Lee dismounted their troopers and drew a defensive line across the railroad and the road to Gordonsville. From this advantageous position, they beat back several determined dismounted assaults. Sheridan withdrew after destroying about six miles of the Virginia Central Railroad. Confederate victory at Trevilian prevented Sheridan from reaching Charlottesville and cooperating with Hunter’s army in the Valley. This was one of the bloodiest cavalry battles of the war.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Cold Harbor
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Second Cold Harbor
Location: Hanover County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 31-June 12, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: 170,000 total (US 108,000; CS 62,000)
Estimated Casualties: 15,500 total (US 13,000; CS 2,500)
Description: On May 31, Sheridan’s cavalry seized the vital crossroads of Old Cold Harbor. Early on June 1, relying heavily on their new repeating carbines and shallow entrenchments, Sheridan’s troopers threw back an attack by Confederate infantry. Confederate reinforcements arrived from Richmond and from the Totopotomoy Creek lines. Late on June 1, the Union VI and XVIII Corps reached Cold Harbor and assaulted the Confederate works with some success. By June 2, both armies were on the field, forming on a seven-mile front that extended from Bethesda Church to the Chickahominy River.
At dawn June 3, the II and XVIII Corps, followed later by the IX Corps, assaulted along the Bethesda Church-Cold Harbor line and were slaughtered at all points. Grant commented in his memoirs that this was the only attack he wished he had never ordered. The armies confronted each other on these lines until the night of June 12, when Grant again advanced by his left flank, marching to James River. On June 14, the II Corps was ferried across the river at Wilcox’s Landing by transports. On June 15, the rest of the army began crossing on a 2,200-foot long pontoon bridge at Weyanoke. Abandoning the well-defended approaches to Richmond, Grant sought to shift his army quickly south of the river to threaten Petersburg.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Petersburg
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Assault on Petersburg
Location: City of Petersburg
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 15-18, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George 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 Landing 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 Gen. James St. Clair Morton, chief engineer of the IX Corps, was killed on June 17.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Lynchburg
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: None
Location: City of 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
Jerusalem Plank Road
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: First Battle of Weldon Railroad
Location: Dinwiddie County and Petersburg
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 21-24, 1864
Principal Commanders:Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George 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 22, troops from Lt. Gen. A.P. Hill’s corps led by Brig. Gen. William Mahone counterattacked, forcing the II Corps 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
Saint Mary’s Church
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Nance’s Shop
Location: Charles City
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): June 24, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 630 total
Description:On June 24, Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton’s cavalry attempted to cut off Sheridan’s cavalry returning from their raid to Trevilian Station. Sheridan fought a delaying action to protect a long supply train under his protection, then rejoined the Union army at Bermuda Hundred.
Result(s): Inconclusive
Staunton River Bridge
Other Names: Blacks and Whites, Old Men and Young Boys
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 South Side Railroad near Ford’s Station that evening, destroying tracks, railroad buildings, and two supply trains. On June 23, Wilson proceeded to the junction of the Richmond & Danville Railroad at Burke Station, where he encountered elements of William H.F. Lee’s cavalry between Nottoway Court House and Blacks and Whites (modern-day Blackstone).
Wilson followed Kautz along the South Side 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
Sappony Church
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Stony Creek Depot
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 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
Ream’s Station
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Reams’ Station
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 Ream’s 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 against elements of William H.F. Rooney Lee’s cavalry, joined Kautz’s near Ream’s 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 Stage 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
Cool Spring
Other Names: Island Ford, Parkers Ford, Snickers Ferry, Castleman’s Ferry
Location: Clarke County
Campaign: Early’s Raid and Operations against the B&O Railroad (June-August 1864)
Date(s): July 17-18, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright [US]; Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early [CS]
Forces Engaged: 13,000 total (US 5,000; CS 8,000)
Estimated Casualties: 819 total (US 422; CS 397)
Description: A Union column, consisting of the VI Corps and elements of the XIX Corps under Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright, pursued Early’s army as it withdrew from the environs of Washington, D.C. Wright’s force was joined by elements of Crook’s command, which had accompanied Hunter during his retreat through West Virginia. On July 17, the Union cavalry passed through Snickers Gap and attempted to force passage of the Shenandoah River at Snickers Ford (Castleman’s Ferry).
On the morning of July 18, the vanguard of the Union infantry moved through Snickers Gap. Col. Joseph Thoburn (of Crook’s command) led his division downstream to cross the river at Judge Richard Parker’s Ford. Early’s three nearby infantry divisions moved to defend the fords. In the afternoon, Rodes’s division attacked and shattered Thoburn’s right flank on the Cool Spring plantation. Thoburn made a stand behind a stone wall at the river’s edge and beat off three attacks until darkness enabled him to withdraw. Union pursuit of Early was delayed several days.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Rutherford’s Farm
Other Names: None
Location: Frederick County and Winchester
Campaign: Early’s Raid and Operations against the B&O Railroad (June-August 1864)
Date(s): July 20, 1864
Principal Commanders: Commanders: Brig. Gen. William W. Averell [US]; Maj. Gen. S.D. Ramseur [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions(5,850 total)
Estimated Casualties: 1,100 total
Description: On July 20, Brig. Gen. W.W. Averell’s Union division attacked Maj. Gen. S.D. Ramseur’s Confederate division at Rutherford’s and Carter’s farms. This sudden assault came in on the flank of Hoke’s brigade as it was deploying, throwing it into a panic. Ramseur retreated toward Winchester in confusion. Averell captured four pieces of artillery and nearly 300 men. With this defeat, Early withdrew his army south to a defensive position at Fisher’s Hill.
Result(s): Union victory
Kernstown, Second
Other Names: None
Location: Frederick County and Winchester
Campaign: Early’s Raid and Operations against the B&O Railroad (June-August 1864)
Date(s): July 24, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. George Crook [US]; Lt. Gen. Jubal Early [CS]
Forces Engaged: 23,000 total (US 10,000; CS 13,000)
Estimated Casualties: 1,800 total (US 1,200; CS 600)
Description: Believing that Early’s army was no longer a threat in the Valley, Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright abandoned his pursuit and ordered the VI and XIX Corps to return to Washington, where they were to be sent to Grant’s army group before Petersburg. Wright left Brig. Gen. George Crook with three divisions and some cavalry to hold Winchester.
Under orders to prevent reinforcements from being sent to Grant, Early marched north on July 24 against Crook. After an hour of stubborn resistance at Pritchard’s Hill, the Federal line collapsed and Crook’s divisions streamed back in disarray through the streets of Winchester. Col. James Mulligan commanding Crook’s 3rd Division was mortally wounded. Rutherford B. Hayes commanded a brigade against John C. Breckinridge’s wing. Crook retreated to the Potomac River and crossed near Williamsport on July 26. As a result of this defeat and the burning of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on July 30, Grant returned the VI and XIX Corps and appointed Sheridan as commander of Union forces in the Valley.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Deep Bottom I
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: Darbytown, Strawberry Plains, New Market Road, Gravel Hill
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 July 26-27, 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 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
Crater
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: The Mine
Location: Petersburg
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): July 30, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: IX Corps [US]; elements of the Army of Northern Virginia [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 5,300 total
Description: After weeks of preparation, on July 30 the Federals exploded a mine in Burnside’s IX Corps sector beneath Pegram’s Salient, blowing a gap in the Confederate defenses of Petersburg. From this propitious beginning, everything deteriorated rapidly for the Union attackers. Unit after unit charged into and around the crater, where soldiers milled in confusion.
The Confederates quickly recovered and launched several counterattacks led by Maj. Gen. William Mahone. The break was sealed off, and the Federals were repulsed with severe casualties. Ferrarro’s division of black soldiers was badly mauled. This may have been Grant’s best chance to end the Siege of Petersburg. Instead, the soldiers settled in for another eight months of trench warfare. Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside was relieved of command for his role in the debacle.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Deep Bottom II
Civil War battles in Virginia 1864
Other Names: New Market Road, Fussell’s Mill, Bailey’s Creek, Charles City Road, and White’s Tavern
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