The Armies Gather at Cold Harbor

Following the Federal cavalry’s successful defense of the Old Cold Harbor Crossroads against Confederate infantry attacks on the morning of June 1, 1864, hard marching soldiers of the 6th Corps and 18th Corps arrived to solidify the Union army’s hold on the strategic intersection. By late afternoon these two corps, totaling roughly 30,000 men, launched an attack against the Confederate line. The 18th Corps deployed around Beulah Church and attacked to the west. Brig. Gen. William T. H. Brooks’ division advanced across this ground under fire toward Confederates defending hastily built earthworks 600 yards ahead. Fighting raged into the darkness that night. The Federal assault on the afternoon of June 1, 1864, temporarily broke the Confederate line and emboldened General Grant to try another assault at Cold Harbor on June 3.

Virginia · United States