The Campaign for Petersburg

Early on the morning of April 2, 1865, about 14,000 Union soldiers crossed eight hundred yards of open ground and attacked about 2,800 Confederates manning earthworks that protected access to Petersburg. This Federal victory broke Gen. Robert E. Lee’s previously impenetrable defenses and, together with other Union gains, prompted Lee to order the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond. The breakthrough followed months of effort: in September and October 1864, Federal forces made key terrain gains at the Battle of Peebles’ Farm; for the next six months, blue and gray troops held opposing picket lines and exchanged shots, coffee, and tobacco; and on March 25, 1865, the Battle of Jones Farm set the stage for the final Union success. Gen. Horatio G. Wright commanded the Union Sixth Corps, whose troops made attacks here on March 25 and April 2, 1865, while Confederate Gen. Ambrose Powell Hill commanded the Third Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia, responsible for the defenses immediately southwest of Petersburg.

Virginia · United States