Key Facts
- Dates
- February 5–7, 1865
- Duration
- 3 days
- Union line extension
- 4 miles further west
- Notable casualty
- Confederate Brig. Gen. John Pegram killed
- Part of
- Petersburg Campaign, Grant's 8th Offensive
- Distinction
- Only Civil War battle fought in Virginia in February
Strategic Narrative Overview
On February 5, Confederates under Generals Gordon and A. P. Hill launched three attacks on Union infantry near Armstrong's Mill, all repulsed. On February 6, Union forces cleared Vaughan Road but were routed at Dabney's Mill by Confederate reinforcements under Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan. Brig. Gen. John Pegram was killed during this fighting. On February 7, Union forces made a final charge on Confederate earthworks that failed before withdrawing overnight.
01 / The Origins
By early 1865, the Union Army under Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was conducting a prolonged siege of Petersburg, Virginia. Grant launched his 8th Offensive to disrupt Confederate supply lines along Boydton Plank Road near Dinwiddie Court House, sending Maj. Gen. David Gregg's cavalry division to raid the route while infantry under Maj. Gen. Andrew Humphreys provided support.
03 / The Outcome
The battle ended with no decisive tactical victor, but Grant's offensive achieved an unintended strategic result: Union lines were extended four miles further west around Petersburg. This proved to be the last such extension before the war ended. The Confederates retained their fortified position at Dabney's Mill, though the prolonged siege continued to strain their resources.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Ulysses S. Grant, George G. Meade, Gouverneur K. Warren, David McMurtrie Gregg.
Side B
1 belligerent
Robert E. Lee, A. P. Hill.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.