Battle of Malvern Hill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Malvern Hill
Part of the American Civil War
The battle of Malvern Hill, by Currier and Ives.
Date July 1, 1862 (1862-07-01) Location Henrico County, Virginia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
George B. McClellan Fitz John Porter	Robert E. Lee
Strength
54,000	55,000
Casualties and losses
2,100	5,650

The Battle of Malvern Hill was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on July 1, 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia. This battle was the last major fight of the Peninsula campaign. The Union Army, led by General George B. McClellan, won this battle.

What Was the Battle of Malvern Hill?

The Battle of Malvern Hill was a big clash between the Union (Northern) and Confederate (Southern) armies. It took place on a strong defensive position called Malvern Hill. The Union army had cannons set up on the hill. This gave them a big advantage.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

The battle was part of the Peninsula campaign. This was a plan by the Union to capture Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. After several smaller battles, the Union army was retreating. They stopped at Malvern Hill to make a stand.

Who Fought in the Battle?

• Union Army: About 54,000 soldiers. Their main commanders were General George B. McClellan and General Fitz John Porter.
• Confederate Army: About 55,000 soldiers. They were led by General Robert E. Lee.

The Battle on Malvern Hill

The Union army was positioned on Malvern Hill. It was a good spot because it was high ground. They had many cannons ready to fire. The land in front of them was open, making it hard for the Confederates to attack.

General Lee ordered his Confederate troops to attack the hill. They tried several times to climb the hill and reach the Union lines. However, the Union cannons and soldiers fired heavily on them. The Confederate attacks were not well-coordinated. This made it even harder for them.

Outcome of the Battle

The battle lasted for several hours. The Union forces successfully defended their position. They caused many more casualties (deaths and injuries) to the Confederate army.

• Union Casualties: Around 2,100 soldiers.
• Confederate Casualties: Around 5,650 soldiers.

Even though the Union won the battle, General McClellan decided to keep retreating. He moved his army to a safer place called Harrison's Landing. This ended the Peninsula Campaign. The Union army did not capture Richmond at this time.

Images for kids

• 

  The Malvern House

• 

  The gentle slope of the hill has been cleared to show the open ground in front of the Union cannon, as it was on the date of the battle.

• 

  This map of the Malvern Hill battlefield labels the Willis Church Road as "Quaker Road".

• 

  Battle of Malvern Hill; Confederate forces are indicated in red, and Union forces are indicated in blue.

• 

  Union ships launching missiles onto the battlefield at Malvern Hill

• 

  The cannons on the modern-day battlefield at Malvern Hill

• 

  Union sharpshooters of the 1st United States Sharpshooters fire on the Confederates.

• 

  Map of the night march from Malvern Hill to Harrison's Landing; by Pvt. Robert Knox Sneden of Brig. Gen. Heintzelman's III Corps. Union Army indicated in purple; Confederates or "Rebels" indicated in red.

• 

  An 1864 newspaper cartoon of McClellan on the USS Galena, labelled "The Gunboat Candidate". McClellan was criticized for his actions during the Battle of Malvern Hill.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Malvern Hill para niños