Battle of Petersburg
The Battle of Petersburg, which took place from June 1864 to April 1865, was a critical engagement during the American Civil War. Led by Union General Ulysses S. Grant, the goal was to capture Petersburg, Virginia, an essential railroad and supply hub that would enable a direct assault on the Confederate capital of Richmond. Grant's strategy initially aimed to outmaneuver Confederate General Robert E. Lee, but miscommunication and disorganization among Union commanders led to delays and allowed Lee to strengthen his defenses. As a result, a prolonged siege ensued, lasting approximately ten months, wherein both sides faced significant hardships. One notable event during the siege was the disastrous explosion of a mine, which resulted in substantial Union casualties. Ultimately, the Union forces managed to capture Petersburg after a decisive victory at the Battle of Five Forks in April 1865. The siege's outcome had profound implications, severely depleting Lee's resources and contributing to the eventual Union victory in the Civil War.
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Subject Terms
Battle of Petersburg
Type of action: Siege in the American Civil War
Date: June 15, 1864-April 3, 1865
Location: Petersburg, Virginia, twenty miles south of Confederate capital, Richmond
Combatants: 64,000 Union vs. 42,000 Confederate forces
Principal commanders:Union, General Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885); Confederate, General Robert E. Lee (1807–1870)
Result: Union troops captured Petersburg after a prolonged siege
Union general Ulysses S. Grant repeatedly failed in previous operations to turn General Robert E. Lee’s flank so that Richmond would be exposed to attack. Grant changed his strategy, making his main objective to capture Petersburg, an important railroad and supply junction, after crossing the James River from the south. He would then be in a good position to make a direct assault against the Confederate capital once Petersburg was under Union control. Grant’s Army of the Potomac managed to keep Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia unaware of his movements for several days. However, misunderstanding, a lack of coordination, and disorganization among Union commanders put a halt to the original plan. Lee’s forces were able to reinforce and defend Petersburg; a ten-month siege began. The Union forces bungled the situation further by exploding a mine, costing many lives. Grant eventually took Petersburg after Union forces routed the rebels at Five Forks.
Significance
The Siege of Petersburg, ultimately a Union victory, placed a tremendous strain upon Lee’s limited manpower and resources.
Bibliography
The Civil War: Most Hallowed Ground. Documentary. PBS Video, 1989.
Cullen, Joseph P. The Siege of Petersburg. Reprint. Conshohocken, Pa.: Eastern Acorn Press, 1992.
Davis, William C. Death in the Trenches: Grant at Petersburg. Alexandria, Va.: Time-Life Books, 1986.
Sommers, Richard J. Richmond Redeemed: The Siege at Petersburg. New York: Doubleday, 1981.