Union rearguard action that blocked Stonewall Jackson at White Oak Swamp, preventing a coordinated Confederate assault and allowing the Army of the Potomac to survive and regroup at Malvern Hill.
Key Facts
- Date
- June 30, 1862
- Location
- Henrico County, Virginia
- Campaign
- Seven Days Battles, Peninsula Campaign
- Distance from Glendale
- 2 miles south
- Union commander
- Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin, VI Corps
- Confederate commander
- Maj. Gen. Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Seven Days Battles, the Union Army of the Potomac was retreating southeast toward the James River. General Robert E. Lee ordered a consolidated Confederate assault at Glendale to destroy the retreating Union forces, requiring Stonewall Jackson's divisions to cross White Oak Bridge and join the attack.
On June 30, 1862, the Union rearguard under Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin's VI Corps blocked Jackson's advance at the White Oak Bridge crossing in Henrico County, Virginia. The engagement consisted primarily of an artillery duel, preventing Jackson from crossing while the main Battle of Glendale was fought two miles to the south.
Jackson was prevented from joining Lee's coordinated assault at Glendale, resulting in an inconclusive Confederate attack at that battle. The Union Army avoided destruction, successfully retreated, and assumed a strong defensive position at Malvern Hill for the subsequent engagement.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin.
Side B
1 belligerent
Maj. Gen. Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson.