Battles & Campaigns · 1862
Battle of Malvern Hill
Malvern Hill, Henrico County, Virginia, USA
What happened
It was the last of the Seven Days Battles near Richmond. The Union army held Malvern Hill, a strong position. After an exchange of artillery fire, Confederate infantry made several attacks across open ground that were badly coordinated, and Union guns drove each one back.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a Union tactical victory that ended the Seven Days fighting. But McClellan then pulled back, and Richmond was saved for the Confederacy.
What came next
McClellan withdrew to Harrison's Landing on the James River, ending the Peninsula Campaign.
Did you know?
One Union officer reportedly fell asleep during the artillery fire.
Timeline
- 31 May 1862Battle of Seven Pines.
- 25 June 1862The Seven Days Battles begin.
- 1 July 1862Battle of Malvern Hill.