Battles of the American Civil War

(1861-1865)

Peninsula Campaign

The Peninsula Campaign, conducted from March 17 to July 1, 1862, was an early attempt by the Union to capture the Confederate capital at Richmond. Despite initial successes, Union General George B. McClellan's hesitancy and Confederate General Robert E. Lee's aggressive tactics led to a Confederate victory, prolonging the war and boosting Southern morale.

Battle of Hampton Roads

The Battle of Hampton Roads, fought from March 8 to 9, 1862, in Virginia, was inconclusive. This historic naval battle between the ironclad warships USS Monitor and CSS Virginia marked a turning point in naval warfare, demonstrating the obsolescence of wooden ships.

Inconclusive Victory

Siege of Yorktown

The Siege of Yorktown, taking place from April 5 to May 4, 1862, in Virginia, was inconclusive. Union forces under General George McClellan attempted to besiege the Confederate defenses at Yorktown, but the Confederates withdrew before a decisive engagement, delaying the Union advance.

Inconclusive Victory

Battle of Williamsburg

The Battle of Williamsburg, fought on May 5, 1862, in Virginia, was inconclusive. Union forces pursuing the retreating Confederate Army clashed with rear guard units, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides and delaying the Union advance during the Peninsula Campaign.

Inconclusive Victory

Battle of Eltham's Landing

The Battle of Eltham's Landing occurred on May 7, 1862, in Virginia, and ended inconclusively. Union forces attempted to cut off the retreating Confederate Army but were met with strong resistance, resulting in a stalemate that allowed the Confederates to continue their withdrawal.

Inconclusive Victory

Battle of Drewry's Bluff

The Battle of Drewry's Bluff, fought on May 15, 1862, in Virginia, ended in a Confederate victory. Confederate forces successfully defended a strategic position along the James River against a Union naval assault, preventing Union forces from advancing towards Richmond.

Confederate Victory

Battle of Hanover Court House

The Battle of Hanover Court House, fought on May 27, 1862, in Virginia, was a Union victory. Union forces attacked and defeated a smaller Confederate detachment, securing the right flank of General George McClellan's army during the Peninsula Campaign.

Union Victory

Battle of Seven Pines

The Battle of Seven Pines, also known as the Battle of Fair Oaks, occurred from May 31 to June 1, 1862, in Virginia, and was inconclusive. Both Union and Confederate forces suffered heavy casualties in a bloody confrontation that failed to deliver a decisive victory for either side.

Inconclusive Victory

Battle of Oak Grove

The Battle of Oak Grove, fought on June 25, 1862, in Virginia, ended inconclusively. Union forces attempted to advance their lines during the Peninsula Campaign but were met with strong Confederate resistance, resulting in heavy casualties and minimal territorial gain.

Inconclusive Victory

Battle of Beaver Dam Creek

The Battle of Beaver Dam Creek, also known as the Battle of Mechanicsville, occurred on June 26, 1862, in Virginia. Union forces successfully repelled a Confederate assault, marking the first of the Seven Days Battles and maintaining their defensive positions.

Union Victory

Battle of Gaines' Mill

The Battle of Gaines' Mill, also known as the Battle of Chickahominy River, took place on June 27, 1862, in Virginia. Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee launched a successful assault against Union troops, forcing them to retreat and achieving a significant victory in the Seven Days Battles.

Confederate Victory

Battle of Garnett's & Golding's Farm

The Battle of Garnett's & Golding's Farm occurred on June 27–28, 1862, in Virginia, and ended inconclusively. This engagement was part of the Seven Days Battles, with both Union and Confederate forces suffering casualties in skirmishes that did not yield a decisive outcome.

Inconclusive Victory

Battle of Savage's Station

The Battle of Savage's Station, fought on June 29, 1862, in Virginia, was inconclusive. Union forces conducted a fighting withdrawal against pursuing Confederate troops during the Seven Days Battles, resulting in significant casualties on both sides but no decisive victor.

Inconclusive Victory

Battle of Glendale

The Battle of Glendale, also known as the Battle of Frayser's Farm, occurred on June 30, 1862, in Virginia, and ended inconclusively. Part of the Seven Days Battles, this engagement saw intense fighting as Union forces retreated, resulting in heavy casualties without a clear victor.

Inconclusive Victory

Battle of White Oak Swamp

The Battle of White Oak Swamp, fought on June 30, 1862, in Virginia, was inconclusive. This battle, part of the Seven Days Battles, involved Union forces successfully delaying Confederate troops, allowing the main Union army to continue its withdrawal toward the James River.

Inconclusive Victory

Battle of Malvern Hill

The Battle of Malvern Hill took place on July 1, 1862, in Virginia, resulting in a Union victory. Union forces under General George McClellan repelled repeated Confederate assaults, inflicting heavy casualties and concluding the Seven Days Battles with a successful defensive stand.

Union Victory