Battle of Sappony Church facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Sappony Church
Part of the American Civil War
A map of the Union raiders' route
Date June 28, 1864 Location Sussex County, Virginia Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
James H. Wilson August V. Kautz	William Henry Fitzhugh Lee Wade Hampton
Strength
4,000	5,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Sappony Church, also called the Battle of Stony Creek Depot, was a fight during the American Civil War. This war was fought between the Union (the North) and the Confederacy (the South). The battle happened on June 28, 1864. It was part of the Wilson–Kautz Raid during the larger Richmond–Petersburg Campaign.

Why This Battle Happened

Petersburg, Virginia, was a very important city for the Confederacy. It was like a main hub for supplies going to Richmond, which was the Confederate capital. Union forces, led by Ulysses S. Grant, were trying to capture Petersburg. This was known as the Siege of Petersburg.

Railroad Importance

Petersburg received its supplies through three main railroad lines. These were the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, the South Side Railroad, and the Weldon Railroad. The Weldon Railroad was especially important. It connected Petersburg to Wilmington, North Carolina, which was the Confederacy's last major port.

Union's Plan to Cut Supply Lines

To weaken the Confederacy, the Union wanted to cut these railroad lines. On June 22, 1864, General Grant sent a group of about 3,300 cavalry soldiers. These soldiers were led by James H. Wilson and August V. Kautz. Their mission was to destroy the rail tracks.

The Wilson-Kautz Raid

This mission became known as the Wilson-Kautz Raid. The Union cavalry destroyed about 60 miles (97 km) of railroad tracks. However, they were stopped at the Battle of Staunton River Bridge on June 25. After this defeat, the Union raiders began to retreat back to their own lines.

Confederate Pursuit

From the start of the raid, Confederate forces had been chasing the Union cavalry. These Confederate soldiers were led by W.H.F. "Rooney" Lee. Lee's troops finally caught up with the Union cavalry at Staunton Bridge. They attacked the Union forces from behind and kept chasing them as they retreated.

The Battle at Sappony Church

Map of Sappony Church Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

On June 28, the Union cavalry crossed the Nottoway River. They reached a place called Stony Creek Depot, which was on the Weldon Railroad. Here, they were attacked by Confederate cavalry led by Wade Hampton.

Confederate Reinforcements Arrive

During this fight, General Lee arrived with his own Confederate forces. He also attacked the Union raiders. The battle continued until nightfall.

Union Retreat

As darkness fell, Kautz and Wilson ordered their Union forces to pull back. They tried to reach Reams Railway Station, which was to the north. During this retreat, many enslaved people who had been traveling with the Union forces were left behind. The battle ended with a Confederate victory.