First Battle of Deep Bottom

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Richmond–Petersburg Campaign
1st Petersburg – 2nd Petersburg – Jerusalem Plank Road – Staunton River Bridge – Sappony Church – 1st Ream's Station – 1st Deep Bottom – Crater – 2nd Deep Bottom – Globe Tavern – 2nd Ream's Station – Chaffin's Farm – Peebles' Farm – Darbytown & New Market Roads – Darbytown Road – Fair Oaks & Darbytown Road – Boydton Plank Road – Hatcher's Run – Fort Stedman

The First Battle of Deep Bottom was fought from July 27 to July 29, 1864, at Deep Bottom in Henrico County, Virginia, as part of the Siege of Petersburg of the American Civil War. Deep Bottom is the colloquial name for an area of the James River near the state capital, where the river is surrounded by bluffs, and was part of a supply route for the Confederate Army during the Siege of Petersburg.

During the night of July 26 to July 27, the Union Army II Corps and two divisions of Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan's cavalry under the command of Maj. Gen. Winfield S. 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 to hold the bridgehead at Deep Bottom.

[edit] References

• National Park Service battle description