Battle of Sailor's Creek
Sailor's Creek, near Farmville, Virginia, USA
What happened
Union forces under Philip Sheridan attacked part of Robert E. Lee's retreating army, including Richard Ewell's corps. After leaving Petersburg, Lee's hungry army marched west, hoping to find food and join other Confederate forces. Two small bridges over Sailor's Creek slowed the wagon trains. Union troops attacked the stalled columns, and about a fifth of Lee's remaining army was captured or lost.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the last major battle between Lee's army and the Army of the Potomac. Several Confederate generals, including Ewell, were captured.
What came next
Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House three days later. Ewell was held at Fort Warren in Boston until July.
Did you know?
Watching from a bluff, Lee asked, 'My God, has the army dissolved?'
Timeline
- April 1865Lee's army leaves Petersburg.
- 6 April 1865Battle of Sailor's Creek.
- three days laterLee surrenders at Appomattox Court House.
- 25 January 1872Ewell dies.