Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Robert E. Lee finally discovers that Ulysses S. Grant’s Federals are crossing the James River to strike at Petersburg, south of Richmond. P.G.T. Beauregard hurries to assemble a makeshift Confederate force to defend the key city while waiting for Lee’s help.
Benjamin F. Butler’s Federals advance on the nearly defenseless town of Petersburg, south of Richmond, Virginia. This marks a prime opportunity for the Federals to hasten the end of the war.
The Federal Army of the Potomac temporarily halts for the first time in over a month as Ulysses S. Grant prepares to embark on one of the riskiest maneuvers of the war.
Robert E. Lee learns that Ulysses S. Grant plans to move his Federals southeast once more, this time to Old Cold Harbor.
P.G.T. Beauregard launches a Confederate attack on Benjamin F. Butler’s Federals as they timidly approach Richmond from the south.
P.G.T. Beauregard’s Confederates and Benjamin F. Butler’s Federals assemble around Drewry’s Bluff, about five miles from Richmond on the James River. After Beauregard gets reinforcements and Butler stalls, both commanders plan to attack.