Battles & Campaigns · 1864
Battle of Cold Harbor
Cold Harbor, Hanover County, Virginia, USA
What happened
Union cavalry took the crossroads at Old Cold Harbor on 31 May. Both armies dug long lines of earthworks. On 3 June three Union corps attacked the Confederate trenches and were quickly driven back with heavy losses, and the armies then faced each other until 12 June.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a Confederate victory. The losses of 3 June brought strong criticism of Grant and raised anti-war feeling in the North.
What came next
Grant moved his army across the James River to threaten Petersburg, which led to a long siege.
Did you know?
Cold Harbor was not a port: it was named after a tavern that offered shelter ('harbor') but no hot meals.
Timeline
- 23–26 May 1864Battle of North Anna.
- 31 May 1864Union cavalry takes Old Cold Harbor.
- 3 June 1864The main Union assault fails.
- 12 June 1864The Union army moves away.