Digging In Under Fire

Union soldiers built these earthworks while under fire from Confederates across Totopotomoy Creek, 650 yards to the west. Lieutenant Robert Robertson recalled how the men threw up a shovel of dirt and then dropped into the wheat until the bullets drawn by the flying earth had passed before resuming work. Federal cannon also took positions nearby under a constant shower of bullets. Dueling artillery killed and wounded men on both sides without producing a decisive tactical result. Union infantry here advanced across the creek on May 30 and 31, 1864, gained a foothold each time, but were repulsed and fell back to their previous positions. Unable to gain an advantage, General Grant continued his flanking movements by shifting south and east toward Cold Harbor.

Mechanicsville, Virginia · United States