The Richmond-Petersburg Campaign, a pivotal series of Civil War battles fought from June 1864 to March 1865, irrevocably altered the course of American history. Often referred to as the Siege of Petersburg, this arduous campaign in southern Virginia was not a traditional siege but a prolonged engagement marked by trench warfare, strategic maneuvers, and immense casualties. Understanding the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign is crucial to grasping the final year of the American Civil War and the ultimate fall of the Confederacy.
Petersburg, Virginia, was a vital rail hub responsible for delivering critical supplies to nearby Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. Union General Ulysses S. Grant recognized Petersburg’s strategic importance, understanding that its capture would inevitably lead to the fall of Richmond. In June 1864, Grant’s forces skillfully marched around the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, crossing the James River to advance on Petersburg. Confederate General Robert E. Lee quickly moved to reinforce Petersburg’s defenses, setting the stage for one of the most brutal and protracted campaigns of the war.
The campaign began with unsuccessful Union assaults on Petersburg. Following these initial failures, the Union constructed an extensive network of trench lines, stretching over 30 miles from the eastern outskirts of Richmond to the areas surrounding Petersburg. The subsequent nine months witnessed some of the most intense and prolonged trench warfare of the entire Civil War, a precursor to the battles of World War I.
By late March 1865, with Confederate supplies severely depleted and Union pressure relentlessly mounting, General Lee was compelled to retreat. The abandonment of both Petersburg and Richmond soon led to his surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Throughout these months, an estimated 185,000 troops engaged in fierce combat. The Union suffered approximately 42,000 casualties, while the Confederacy endured about 28,000 casualties and an additional 25,000 desertions, underscoring the campaign’s devastating human cost.
Key Engagements of the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign
Petersburg I (June 9, 1864) – “Battle of Old Men and Young Boys”
This initial engagement in the City of Petersburg saw Union Major General Benjamin Butler deploy around 4,500 cavalry and infantrymen against 2,500 Confederate defenders. While Butler’s infantry demonstrated against the eastern entrenchments, Brigadier General August Kautz’s cavalry attempted a southern flanking maneuver via Jerusalem Plank Road. However, they were decisively repulsed by local Home Guards, earning the engagement its memorable moniker. Butler subsequently withdrew after this Confederate victory, which resulted in minimal casualties but highlighted Petersburg’s unexpected resilience.
Petersburg II (June 15-18, 1864) – “Assault on Petersburg”
Following the first engagement, Major General George Meade’s Army of the Potomac, crossing the James River, renewed the assault. Union forces, led by Major General Benjamin Butler’s elements, initially drove Petersburg’s 5,400 defenders, commanded by Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard, from their first line of entrenchments. Over three days, Union corps gained ground, but General Beauregard strategically stripped other lines to bolster city defenses, and General Robert E. Lee rushed reinforcements. By June 18th, the Confederate works were heavily manned, and Union assaults were repulsed with significant casualties, thus losing the opportunity to capture Petersburg without a protracted siege. This Confederate victory resulted in an estimated 8,150 Union casualties against 3,236 Confederate.
Jerusalem Plank Road (June 21-24, 1864) – “First Battle of Weldon Railroad”
This four-day engagement focused on cutting the Weldon Railroad, a crucial supply line for Petersburg. The Union II Corps, supported by the VI Corps, attempted to sever the tracks. On June 22nd, Confederate Lieutenant General A.P. Hill’s corps, led by Brigadier General William Mahone, counterattacked, forcing the II Corps back to positions along the Jerusalem Plank Road. Despite being pushed from advanced positions, Federals managed to extend their siege lines further west. The battle was inconclusive, with estimated casualties of 2,962 Union and 572 Confederate.
Staunton River Bridge (June 25, 1864) – “Battle of Blacks and Whites”
Union Brigadier Generals James Wilson and August Kautz’s cavalry divisions were dispatched to disrupt Confederate rail communications. They destroyed sections of the South Side Railroad and the Richmond & Danville Railroad. On June 25th, nearing the Staunton River Bridge, they were delayed by local Home Guards, preventing the bridge’s destruction. Confederate cavalry closed in, forcing the Union raiders, nearly 100 miles from Union lines, to abandon their mission. This Confederate victory incurred approximately 116 Union and 34 Confederate casualties.
Sappony Church (June 28, 1864) – “Battle of Stony Creek Depot”
Following the Staunton River Bridge engagement, Confederate Major General William H.F. “Rooney” Lee’s cavalry pursued Wilson and Kautz. The Union raiders headed east and were attacked by Major General Wade Hampton’s cavalry division near Stony Creek Depot. With Lee’s division joining Hampton, the Federals faced intense pressure. Wilson and Kautz disengaged under the cover of night, abandoning many fleeing slaves who had sought refuge. This Confederate victory resulted in estimated total casualties of 1,817.
Ream’s Station I (June 29, 1864)
Union Brigadier General August Kautz’s division reached Ream’s Station, expecting Union infantry but instead encountering Major General William Mahone’s Confederate division. Union Major General James Wilson’s division joined Kautz’s, and they found themselves nearly surrounded. Mahone’s infantry assaulted their front, while General Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry threatened their flank. The Union raiders were forced to burn their wagons, abandon artillery, and cut their way through Confederate lines. The Wilson-Kautz raid temporarily disrupted rail traffic into Petersburg but at a great cost in men and mounts, a Confederate victory with an estimated 600 total casualties.
Deep Bottom I (July 27-29, 1864) – “Battle of Darbytown, Strawberry Plains”
This three-day engagement saw Union forces, including the II Corps and two cavalry divisions under Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, cross the James River to threaten Richmond. This strategic demonstration aimed to divert Confederate forces from a planned attack at Petersburg on July 30th. Union efforts to outflank Confederate positions at New Market Heights and Fussell’s Mill were abandoned due to strong Confederate reinforcements and counterattacks. The Federals recrossed the river, maintaining their bridgehead. The Confederate victory resulted in an estimated 1,000 total casualties.
Crater (July 30, 1864) – “Battle of the Mine”
In one of the most dramatic events of the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign, Union forces exploded a mine beneath Pegram’s Salient, creating a massive crater in the Confederate defenses. However, the subsequent Union attack descended into chaos as soldiers became trapped and confused within and around the crater. Confederates, led by Major General William Mahone, quickly recovered and launched devastating counterattacks, sealing the breach. Brigadier General Edward Ferrero’s division of black soldiers suffered heavy losses. This debacle, which could have ended the Siege of Petersburg, instead led to months more of trench warfare. Major General Ambrose E. Burnside was relieved of command. This Confederate victory resulted in approximately 5,300 total casualties.
Deep Bottom II (August 13-20, 1864) – “Battle of New Market Road, Fussell’s Mill”
This week-long engagement involved Union forces, including the II Corps, X Corps, and Brigadier General David Gregg’s cavalry, under Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, crossing the James River at Deep Bottom. Coordinated with a movement against the Weldon Railroad, the objective was to threaten Richmond. Union assaults near Fussell’s Mill were initially successful but were repelled by Confederate counterattacks. Heavy fighting continued, and Confederate General John Chambliss was killed. The Federals eventually returned to the James River’s south side, maintaining their bridgehead. This Confederate victory resulted in an estimated 4,600 total casualties.
Globe Tavern (August 18-21, 1864) – “Second Battle of Weldon Railroad”
While Union forces demonstrated north of the James River, the Union V Corps, with elements of the IX and II Corps under Major General G.K. Warren, targeted the Weldon Railroad. Warren advanced, driving back Confederate pickets to reach the railroad at Globe Tavern. Confederate Major General Henry Heth and later Major General William Mahone launched counterattacks. Heavily reinforced, Warren’s forces retook lost ground and entrenched a strong defensive line. This Union victory, despite estimated casualties of 4,279 Union and 1,600 Confederate, succeeded in extending siege lines and cutting Petersburg’s primary rail connection, forcing a lengthy wagon haul for Confederate supplies.
Ream’s Station II (August 25, 1864)
The battles continued as the Union II Corps moved south along the Weldon Railroad, destroying tracks, preceded by Brigadier General David Gregg’s cavalry. On August 25th, Confederate Major General Henry Heth launched an attack, overrunning the Union position at Ream’s Station. The Confederates captured 9 guns, 12 colors, and numerous prisoners, effectively shattering the old II Corps. Major General Winfield Scott Hancock withdrew, lamenting his troops’ declining combat effectiveness. This decisive Confederate victory resulted in an estimated 3,492 total casualties.
Chaffin’s Farm and New Market Heights (September 29-30, 1864)
Union Major General Benjamin Butler’s Army of the James crossed the James River to assault Richmond’s defenses north of the river. The columns attacked at dawn, achieving initial successes at New Market Heights and Fort Harrison. However, Confederate forces rallied swiftly, containing the breakthrough and preventing further Union advances. The article ends here, but in the overall context of the campaign, such localized successes often led to protracted, bloody fighting without decisive strategic gains for the Union in the immediate area of Richmond’s core defenses.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign
The Richmond-Petersburg Campaign was a brutal, protracted struggle that demonstrated the devastating effectiveness of trench warfare and the unwavering resolve of both Union and Confederate forces. Its nine-month duration exhausted the Confederacy’s dwindling resources and manpower, directly leading to Robert E. Lee’s retreat and eventual surrender at Appomattox Court House. This decisive campaign was instrumental in sealing the fate of the Confederacy, marking the beginning of the end for the Civil War and paving the way for a reunited nation. The strategic importance of Petersburg, its railways, and the sheer scale of the fighting underscore why this campaign remains a critical study for understanding the final, arduous stages of the American Civil War.
