Second Battle Of Reams Station

During the Second Battle of Reams Station, Confederate infantry advanced across the field toward Union trenches in this area, where part of the Union line was anchored in a deep railroad cut and another line extended back to create a U-shaped position, with some troops using earthworks from a previous fight. Around the intersection, the 116th Pennsylvania Infantry faced a Confederate charge advancing from the woods in great numbers; although Union fire staggered the attackers without breaking their lines, the regiment lost two commanders within minutes and withstood the first assault and an artillery barrage before withdrawing. Approximately half-a-mile to the south, Confederate cavalry under Gen. Wade Hampton prepared to strike the other side of the U-shaped Union line, opening the battle by fighting on foot against Union cavalry under Gen. David M. Gregg. The dismounted Confederate cavalry, including the 12th Virginia Cavalry, worked with Hill's infantry to pressure the Union line and affected the outcome of the battle.

Virginia · United States