The Battle of White Oak Road

Early on the morning of March 31, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee sent most of a division forward from White Oak Road to attack Federal troops. Fighting through the morning, Confederate brigades enveloped and put to flight two Federal divisions in succession. Lewellyn Shaver of the 60th Alabama, posted just west of here, recalled a line of battle in woods beside the road, an extensive field beyond it, Confederate riflemen in picket holes about 150 yards from the road, and two heavy lines of Federal infantry visible on the far edge of the field. Four Confederate brigades formed in the woods on the north side of White Oak Road, advanced, and smashed into the Federal columns. Brigadier General Romeyn B. Ayres' division shattered under the attack, and Brigadier General Samuel Crawford's division also fled back across Gravelly Run to the south. A soldier of the 6th Wisconsin recalled that before Federal lines were fully formed, the Confederates burst through gaps, caught the 3rd brigade while it was getting into position, drove it back in confusion, and exposed the right flank of his brigade and regiment. That morning Lee rode along the fortifications inspecting the lines and learned from Bushrod Johnson's men that Union troops before the works had their left flank in the air, prompting his determination to attack and roll up the exposed flank.

Virginia · United States