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

Jerusalem Plank Road

CWSAC Reference #: VA065
Other Names: First Battle of Weldon Railroad
Preservation Priority: IV.1 (Class B)
Location: Dinwiddie County and Petersburg
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 21-24, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant and Maj. Gen. G.G. Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 4,000 total
Description: On June 21, the Union II Corps, supported by the VI Corps, attempted to cut the Weldon Railroad, one of the major supply lines into Petersburg. The movement was preceded by Wilson's cavalry division which began destroying tracks. On June 23, troops from Lt. Gen. A.P. Hill's corps led by Brig. Gen. William Mahone counterattacked, forcing the IICorps away from the railroad to positions on the Jerusalem Plank Road. Although the Federals were driven from their advanced positions, they were able to extend their siege lines farther to the west.
Result(s): Union gained ground    

[BACK]