Taken The National Park Service's "The American Battlefield Protection Program."

Five Forks
CWSAC Reference #: VA088
Other Names: None
Preservation Priority: III.1 (Class A)
Location: Dinwiddie County
Campaign: Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)
Date(s): April 1, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Maj. Gen. George Pickett [CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 6,030 total
Description: Gen. Robert E. Lee ordered Maj. Gen. George Pickett with his infantry division and Munford's, W.H.F. Lee's, and Rosser's cavalry divisions to hold the vital crossroads of Five Forks at all hazard. On April 1, while Sheridan's cavalry pinned the Confederate force in position, the V Corps under G.K. Warren attacked and overwhelmed the Confederate left flank, taking many prisoners. Sheridan personally directed the attack, which extended Lee's Petersburg lines to the breaking point. Loss of Five Forks threatened Lee's last supply line, the Southside Railroad. The next morning, Lee informed Jefferson Davis that Petersburg and Richmond must be evacuated. Union general Winthrop was killed; Willie" Pegram, beloved Confederate artillery officer, was killed. Dissatisfied with his performance at Five Forks, Sheridan relieved Warren of command of the V Corps.
Result(s): Union victory
National Park Unit: Petersburg National Battlefield    

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