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Wilderness
or
Todd's Tavern, Parker's Store, Brock Road, Craig's Meeting House,
The Furnaces
Brock Road, Virginia
May 5 - 7, 1864
The opening battle of Grant's sustained offensive against the
Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, known as the Overland
Campaign, was fought at the Wilderness, May 5-7. On the morning of
May 5, 1864, the Union V Corps attacked Ewell's Corps on the
Orange Turnpike, while A.P. Hill's corps during the afternoon
encountered Getty's Division (VI Corps) and Hancock's II Corps on
the Plank Road. Fighting was fierce but inconclusive as both sides
attempted to maneuver in the dense woods. Darkness halted the
fighting, and both sides rushed forward reinforcements. At dawn
on May 6, Hancock attacked along the Plank Road, driving Hill's
Corps back in confusion. Longstreet's Corps arrived in time to
prevent the collapse of the Confederate right flank. At noon, a
devastating Confederate flank attack in Hamilton's Thicket
sputtered out when Lt. Gen. James Longstreet was wounded by his
own men. The IX Corps (Burnside) moved against the Confederate
center, but was repulsed. Union generals James S. Wadsworth and
Alexander Hays were killed. Confederate generals John M. Jones,
Micah Jenkins, and Leroy A. Stafford were killed. The battle was a
tactical draw. Grant, however, did not retreat as had the other
Union generals before him. On May 7, the Federals advanced by the
left flank toward the crossroads of Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Result(s):
Inconclusive (Grant continued his offensive)
Location:
Spotsylvania County
Campaign: Grant's Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
Date(s): May 5 - 7, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and
Maj. Gen. George G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: 162,920 total (US 101,895; CS 61,025)
Estimated Casualties: 29,800 total (US 18,400; CS
11,400)
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