Battles & Campaigns · 1865
Battle of Sutherland's Station
Sutherland's Station, near Petersburg, Virginia, USA
What happened
After the Union breakthrough at Petersburg, Confederate troops gathered at Sutherland's Station to protect the South Side Railroad. Miles's division attacked, pushed them back and drove them from the field. The defenders scattered and retreated to the northwest.
Why it matters
The win gave the Union control of the South Side Railroad, Lee's last supply line into Petersburg. That night Lee's army and the Confederate government left Petersburg and Richmond.
What came next
A week later Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House.
Did you know?
The same day, Heth learned he had become the senior commander of his corps, but Lee soon broke the corps up and gave its units to James Longstreet.
Timeline
- 1 Apr 1865Union victory at Five Forks.
- 2 Apr 1865Battle of Sutherland's Station.
- 2–3 Apr 1865Lee's army leaves Petersburg and Richmond.
- 9 Apr 1865Lee surrenders at Appomattox.