Battle of Gaines' Mill
Hanover County, near Richmond, Virginia, USA
What happened
Robert E. Lee's Confederate army attacked the Union V Corps under Fitz John Porter, part of George B. McClellan's army. Lee struck Porter's corps north of the Chickahominy River with about 57,000 men in the largest Confederate attack of the war. The first attacks were poorly linked, and Stonewall Jackson arrived late. At dusk a combined attack broke Porter's line, and the Union troops crossed back over the river overnight.
Why it matters
It was the only clear Confederate tactical victory of the Peninsula campaign. It helped save Richmond and convinced McClellan to give up his advance on the city.
What came next
McClellan ordered a retreat to the James River and moved his supply base to Harrison's Landing.
Did you know?
Nearly two years later, the Battle of Cold Harbor was fought on the same ground.
Timeline
- 25 Jun 1862Battle of Oak Grove.
- 27 Jun 1862Battle of Gaines' Mill.
- 29 Jun 1862Battle of Savage's Station.
- 30 Jun 1862Battle of Glendale.