Key Facts
- Dates
- June 27–28, 1862
- Location
- Henrico County, Virginia
- Conflict context
- Part of the Seven Days Battles, Peninsula Campaign
- Confederate commander
- General John B. Magruder
- Result
- Confederate attacks repulsed on both days
Strategic Narrative Overview
On June 27, 1862, Magruder ordered a reconnaissance in force that escalated into a minor assault against the Union line at Garnett's Farm, south of the Chickahominy River. Union defenders repulsed the attack without great difficulty. The following morning, June 28, Confederate forces struck again near Golding's Farm but were again driven back. Both attacks were limited in scale and achieved no meaningful breakthrough against the Union position.
01 / The Origins
The Peninsula Campaign of 1862 saw Union General George B. McClellan advance up the Virginia Peninsula toward Richmond. Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee launched the Seven Days Battles to drive the Union army back. South of the Chickahominy River, Confederate General John B. Magruder's sector held a portion of the Richmond defenses, and while the main Confederate assault struck at Gaines's Mill to the north, Magruder was tasked with keeping Union forces pinned on the southern bank.
03 / The Outcome
Both Confederate attacks at Garnett's and Golding's Farms were repulsed, leaving the Union line south of the Chickahominy intact. However, the actions achieved an indirect strategic effect: McClellan became convinced he was under serious assault from both sides of the river. This perception contributed to his decision to retreat to the James River, abandoning his advance on Richmond and effectively ending the Peninsula Campaign's offensive momentum.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
John B. Magruder.
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.