Battle I of Deep Bottom

Other Names: Darbytown, Strawberry Plains, New Market Road, Gravel Hill

Location: Henrico County Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)

Date(s): July 27-29, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock [US]; Maj. Gen. Charles Field [CSA]

Forces Engaged: Corps

Estimated Casualties: 1,000 total

During the night of July 26-27, the Union II Corps and two divisions of Sheridan’s cavalry under command of Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock crossed to the north side of James River to threaten Richmond. This demonstration diverted Confederate forces from the impending attack at Petersburg on July 30. Union efforts to turn the Confederate position at New Market Heights and Fussell’s Mill were abandoned when the Confederates strongly reinforced their lines and counterattacked. During the night of July 29, the Federals recrossed the river leaving a garrison as heretofore to hold the bridgehead at Deep Bottom.

Result(s): Confederate victory
(CWSAC Reference #: VA069; Preservation Priority: II.3, Class C)


Battle II of Deep Bottom

Other Names: New Market Road, Fussell’s Mill Bailey’s Creek, Charles City Road, and White’s Tavern

Location: Henrico County

Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)

Date(s): August 13-20, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock [US]; Gen. Robert e. Lee and Maj. Gen. Charles Field [CSA]

Forces Engaged: Corps

Estimated Causalities: 4,600 total

During the night of August 13-14, the Union II Corps, X Corps, and Gregg’s cavalry division, all under command of Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock, crossed James river at deep Bottom to threaten Richmond, coordinating with a movement against the Weldon Railroad at Petersburg. On August 14, the X Corps closed on New Market Heights while the II Corps extended the Federal line to the right along Bailey’s creek. During the nigh, the X Corps was moved to the far right flank of the Union line near Fussell’s Mill. On August 16, Union assaults near Fussell’s Mill were initially successful, but Confederate counterattacks drove the Federals out of a line of captured works. Heavy fighting continued throughout the remainder of the day. Confederate general John Chambliss was killed during cavalry fighting on Charles City Road. After continual skirmishing, the Federals returned to the southside of the James on the 20th, maintaining their bridgehead at Deep Bottom.

Result(s): Confederate victory

(CWSAC Reference #: VA 071; Preservation Priority: I.3 Class B) Return to CSA Honor Roll