Battle of Suffolk (Hill's Point) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Hill's Point
Part of the Siege of Suffolk
Suffolk Battlefield
Date April 11, 1863 (1863-04-11) – May 4, 1863 (1863-05-04) Location Suffolk, Virginia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
John J. Peck	James Longstreet
Strength
45,000
Casualties and losses
17 total 6 killed 11 wounded	143 total 1 killed 11 wounded 1 missing 130 captured

The Battle of Hill's Point, also called the Battle of Fort Huger, was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened from April 11 to May 4, 1863. This battle was part of a bigger event called the Siege of Suffolk, where Confederate forces tried to capture the town of Suffolk, Virginia.

What Happened at Hill's Point?

On April 19, 1863, a group of Union soldiers arrived at Hill's Point. This area was important because it was where two parts of the Nansemond River met. The Union soldiers were from the 8th Connecticut and 89th New York regiments.

Capturing Fort Huger

These Union troops attacked Fort Huger from behind. The fort was a Confederate stronghold. The Union forces quickly captured the soldiers defending the fort. This victory was very important because it opened the river. Now, Union ships could use the river again to bring supplies.

Confederate Retreat

A few days later, on April 24, Union General Michael Corcoran sent his troops to check on the Confederate forces. They moved carefully towards the Confederate right side, led by General George E. Pickett. However, the Union troops were easily pushed back.

On April 29, Confederate General Robert E. Lee gave new orders. He told General James Longstreet to leave Suffolk. Longstreet's troops were needed to join the main Confederate army near Fredericksburg. By May 4, all of Longstreet's soldiers had left the area. They were on their way to Richmond. This marked the end of the Siege of Suffolk and the Battle of Hill's Point.