Ch. 1 · Siege Of Petersburg Context

Battle of Five Forks.

~4 min read · Ch. 1 of 6

The 292-day siege of Petersburg began in June 1864 when Union forces failed to seize the city from a small Confederate force. This stalemate forced General Ulysses S Grant into a campaign of trench warfare and attrition that lasted until April 1865. The Confederates defended Richmond and the vital railroad center of Petersburg for over nine months using skillful field fortifications. Lee knew his defenses would soon become unsustainable as he had few reserves after manning the lengthened lines following the Battle of Hatcher's Run on the 7th of February 1865. His best chance to continue the war was to move part or all of his army out of the Richmond and Petersburg lines to obtain food at Danville or Lynchburg. He planned to join Joseph E Johnston's force opposing William Tecumseh Sherman's army in North Carolina before Grant could combine his own forces with Sherman's.

Appomattox Campaign Prelude

Grant ordered an offensive to begin the 29th of March 1865, just one day before the Confederate attack on Fort Stedman. The objectives were to draw Confederates out into battle where they might be defeated or cut remaining road and railroad supply routes between areas still under Confederate control and Petersburg. On the 30th of March 1865, Union cavalry patrols seized Five Forks while driving rain continued throughout the day. Sheridan sent two divisions totaling about 9,000 men unopposed into Dinwiddie Court House that evening. By dawn on April 1, Custer reported scouts found Confederates had withdrawn from their positions north of Dinwiddie Court House. This withdrawal set the stage for a major Union assault against Pickett's modest log and dirt defensive line located 1.75 miles north at Five Forks.

Union Troop Movements And Logistics

Warren's V Corps moved west of the lines while Sheridan took a longer southerly route toward Dinwiddie Court House. A bridge over Gravelly Run was wrecked by Confederates causing delays in Pearson's movement. Meade did not pass information about needed repairs to Sheridan until after Warren had been ordered to move his entire corps. Grant told Sheridan he expected Warren to reach him by midnight despite impossible conditions on dark muddy roads with no working bridge. Ayres received orders to move to Boydton Plank Road around 10:00 pm requiring travel over rough country across a branch of Gravelly Run. Griffin's division arrived at J Boisseau farm where they met Devin cavalry before moving toward Five Forks. Crawford followed soon thereafter as part of the complex coordination between infantry and cavalry units struggling through difficult terrain.

Confederate Defensive Disposition

Pickett placed W H F Rooney Lee's cavalry on the right flank near Gilliam farm while holding the left with Munford's understrength unit. The artillery under Colonel Willie Pegram included three guns set at center line positions that proved poorly sited for field fire. Two brigades from Bushrod Johnson already were present but troops left at White Oak Road remained cut off to the west. Pickett decided against improving trenches substantially even though some officers wrote men worked hard making very respectable breastworks with available materials. No evidence exists showing Pickett appealed to Lee for help yet many historians claim Lee sent directions protecting road to Ford Depot without finding any copy in official records. This poor tactical positioning combined with absence of key commanders during lunch created fatal vulnerabilities along the Confederate line.

The Battle On April First

At about 4:15 pm Ayres finished aligning his men when order was given for attack across White Oak Road into a field beyond Ransom brigade firing lines. Sheridan rode among soldiers shouting Go at them with will or you'll not catch one of them as he led charge personally. A soldier hit in neck fell shouting I'm killed before standing up picking gun moving dozen paces then collapsing dead despite Sheridan telling him not hurt. When color-sergeant planted first Union flag on Confederate line Sheridan jumped horse over berm landing among Confederates who threw down weapons waiting surrender. He pointed rear saying go there get right along now drop guns never need anymore while asking if more fellows existed wanting every single one captured. Within minutes Ayres took key entire Confederate line gaining over thousand prisoners plus eight battle flags despite losing Colonel Frederick Winthrop mortally wounded and Richard Bowerman severely injured.

Warren Court Of Inquiry Aftermath

Just before noon Grant issued relief order after staff officer mistakenly reported Warren's corps still held up at Gravelly Run around 10 am. Warren did not hear message but word leaked out to V Corps generals including Griffin and Chamberlain. In 1883 the Warren Court of Inquiry decided Sheridan should not have relieved Warren from command largely due to private enmity between officers. Historian Ed Bearss points personality conflict may been main trouble though Sheridan claimed disappointment that Warren could move faster trap Pickett. Meade sent telegram stating Warren would reach Dinwiddie soon requiring further orders yet failed inform Grant plan originated with Warren himself. This controversy led official investigation concluding unfair removal occurred based on distorted reports about timing delays rather than actual performance failures during campaign operations.

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1865 in the American Civil War 1865 in Virginia Appomattox campaign April 1865 Battles of the American Civil War in Virginia Battles of the eastern theater of the American Civil War Dinwiddie County, Virginia, in the American Civil War George Pickett Union victories of the American Civil War

Common questions

When did the Battle of Five Forks take place?

The Battle of Five Forks occurred on the 1st of April 1865. Union forces launched a major assault against Confederate defensive lines located north of Dinwiddie Court House that day.

Who commanded the Union forces at the Battle of Five Forks?

Major General Philip Sheridan led the Union cavalry and infantry during the battle. He personally rode among soldiers to lead the charge while Major General George G. Meade coordinated overall operations from headquarters.

What was the result of the Battle of Five Forks for the Confederates?

Union troops captured over one thousand prisoners and eight battle flags after taking the entire Confederate line. The victory forced General Robert E Lee to abandon his defenses around Richmond and Petersburg shortly afterward.

Why is the Battle of Five Forks controversial regarding General Warren?

General Gouverneur K. Warren was relieved of command by General Sheridan despite successful performance during the campaign. An official inquiry in 1883 concluded this removal was unfair and based on distorted reports about timing delays rather than actual failures.

How many men participated in the Union attack at Five Forks?

Sheridan sent two divisions totaling approximately 9,000 men into Dinwiddie Court House before dawn on the 1st of April 1865. These forces included infantry units under Ayres and Griffin alongside cavalry elements that secured key positions.

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