kids encyclopedia robot

Battle of Darbytown and New Market Roads facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Not to be confused with the First Battle of Deep Bottom, also known as the Battle of Darbytown, on July 27–29, 1864 or the Battle of Darbytown Road on October 13, 1864 or the Battle of Fair Oaks & Darbytown Road on October 27–28, 1864.
Quick facts for kids
Battle of Darbytown and New Market Roads
Part of the American Civil War
Harper's Weekly - Battle of Darbytown Road October 7 1864.jpg
Date October 7, 1864 (1864-10-07)
Location
Henrico County, Virginia
Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States United States (Union) Confederate States of America CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Ulysses S. Grant
David B. Birney
August V. Kautz		 Robert E. Lee
Strength
X Corps 2 Divisions
Casualties and losses
458
(Killed 49,
Wounded 253,
Captured or
Missing 156)		 700
Darbytown and New Market Battlefield Virginia
Map of Darbytown and New Market Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

The Battle of Darbytown and New Market Roads was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on October 7, 1864, in Henrico County, Virginia. This battle was part of a bigger plan called the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign. In this battle, soldiers from the Union fought against soldiers from the Confederacy. The Union forces won this battle.

Why This Battle Happened

The Richmond-Petersburg Campaign was a long effort by the Union Army. Their goal was to capture the city of Petersburg, Virginia. This city was defended by Confederate forces led by General Robert E. Lee.

During an earlier fight, the Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Union soldiers captured a place called Fort Harrison. This happened on September 30, 1864. After losing the fort, General Lee decided to attack the Union forces. He wanted to push them back. This attack led to the Battle of Darbytown and New Market Roads.

The Battle Begins

The Union Army had strong defensive lines. These lines were along New Market Road. Union cavalry (soldiers on horseback) also protected Darbytown Road. These Union forces were commanded by Brig. Gen. August V. Kautz and Maj. Gen. David B. Birney.

The Confederate attack started with Maj. Gens. Robert Hoke and Charles W. Field leading their troops. They successfully pushed back the Union cavalry from Darbytown Road. The cavalry had to retreat from the area.

The Fight Continues

After pushing back the cavalry, the Confederates then attacked the main Union lines. These lines were on New Market Road. During this intense fighting, a Confederate leader named Brig. Gen. John Gregg was killed. He was the commander of the Texas Brigade.

Despite their efforts, the Confederate attack was stopped. The Union soldiers held their ground. Because their attack failed, the Confederates had to retreat. They pulled back towards Richmond. This retreat meant that the Union Army had won the battle.

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Battle of Darbytown and New Market Roads Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.