Battle of Chester Station facts for kids

The Battle of Chester Station was a smaller fight during the American Civil War on May 10, 1864. It happened near Chester, in Chesterfield County, Virginia. In this battle, Confederate soldiers attacked parts of the Union forces led by General Benjamin Butler. The fight ended without a clear winner.

Quick facts for kids Action at Chester Station
Part of the American Civil War
Date May 10, 1864 Location Chester Chesterfield County, Virginia Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Benjamin Butler	P. G. T. Beauregard
Strength
3,400	2,000
Casualties and losses
280	249

Why did the Battle of Chester Station Happen?

The fight at Chester Station was part of a bigger plan called the Bermuda Hundred Campaign. The Union army wanted to destroy the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad. This railroad was important for the Confederates to move supplies and soldiers. By cutting it, the Union hoped to weaken the Confederate forces.

Confederate Major General Robert Ransom led two brigades (groups of soldiers). They moved south from Drewry's Bluff to stop the Union attack. Both sides fought very bravely, even getting into hand-to-hand combat.

What Happened During the Battle?

Map of Chester Station Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

When Union troops got close to Chester Station, they split into two groups. One group, led by Major O. S. Sanford, moved towards Chester Station. There, the 6th Connecticut Infantry was busy tearing up the railroad tracks.

The other Union group, led by Colonel C. J. Dobbs, met a large Confederate force. Colonel Dobbs asked for more soldiers. He set up his troops and waited for the Confederates to attack.

The Confederates, with infantry, cavalry, and artillery, moved forward. When they were close enough, Dobbs ordered his men to fire. A huge volley of shots stopped the Confederates. A second volley made them confused, and they had to fall back to regroup.

Just then, Major Sanford arrived with his group. They joined the fight, supporting the front lines. Some of their soldiers helped protect a Union cannon. They even managed to get back a cannon that had been left behind.

The Confederates attacked again after getting more soldiers. But the Union troops met them with a powerful fire from both cannons and rifles. This ended the main fighting. The Confederate officers tried to rally their men, but it was too hard. They had to retreat into the woods.

General A. H. Terry arrived during the battle. He took charge of the Union troops for the rest of the fight.

To add to these difficulties the woods were fired early in the action, and the smoke and flames driving into our lines blinded us and deranged the precision of movements.

What Was the Result of the Battle?

General Terry reported that the Union army lost 280 soldiers. This included those killed, wounded, or missing. He thought the Confederates lost at least twice that number. The Union also captured about 50 Confederate prisoners.

The Confederates, specifically Barton's Brigade, reported 249 soldiers lost. This included Lieutenant Colonel Joseph R. Cabell, a commanding officer, who was killed.

At first, the Confederates had more soldiers and pushed back some Union troops. They even captured a cannon, but the Union soldiers quickly got it back. When more Union soldiers arrived, they started to outnumber the Confederates. The Confederates had to retreat back to Drewry's Bluff. At the same time, the Union forces pulled back to Bermuda Hundred.

The battle ended in a draw. Neither side surrendered, was completely defeated, or gained new land. The Union army did manage to destroy some railroad tracks. The Confederates stopped them from doing more damage.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The main commanders were:

• Union Forces: Major General Benjamin F. Butler and Major General Quincy A. Gillimore.
• Confederate Forces: General P.G.T. Beauregard and Major General Robert Ransom.

Many different regiments from both sides took part in the fighting. These included soldiers from Connecticut, Indiana, New York, Ohio, New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, Virginia, and Alabama.