To the east of the road here, centering at Fort Magruder, the Battle of Williamsburg was fought on May 5, 1862. Union General McClellan was pursuing General Johnston’s retiring army, whose rearguard was commanded by General Longstreet. Johnston ordered Longstreet to hold off McClellan’s attacking forces until the Confederate wagon trains, bogged down in mud, were out of danger. This mission was accomplished, and Johnston continued his retirement.
