Battle of Swift Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Swift Creek
Part of American Civil War
Date May 9, 1864 (1864-05-09) Location Chesterfield County, Virginia 37°17′10″N 77°24′42″W / 37.2861°N 77.4118°W / 37.2861; -77.4118 Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Benjamin Butler	P. G. T. Beauregard
Strength
5 gunboats 14,000	4,200
Casualties and losses
990

The Battle of Swift Creek was a fight during the American Civil War. It happened on May 9, 1864. Soldiers from the Union (the North) fought against soldiers from the Confederacy (the South). The battle took place near a place called Swift Creek in Virginia.

The Union forces wanted to cause damage and move forward. They did manage to hurt a local railroad. However, they could not push further into Confederate territory. Because neither side won a clear victory, the battle is considered inconclusive.

What Was the Battle of Swift Creek?

The Battle of Swift Creek was part of a larger plan by the Union army. This plan was called the Bermuda Hundred Campaign. The Union wanted to cut off supplies to the Confederate capital, Richmond. They also wanted to attack the important city of Petersburg.

Who Fought in This Battle?

The main Union commander was Major General Benjamin Butler. He led about 14,000 Union soldiers and five gunboats. Gunboats were small ships with cannons.

The Confederate forces were led by General P. G. T. Beauregard. His soldiers, about 4,200 of them, were ready to defend their positions.

What Happened During the Battle?

On May 9, 1864, General Butler's Union troops moved towards Petersburg. They met Confederate soldiers led by General Bushrod Johnson near Swift Creek.

The Attack on Petersburg

The Confederates tried to attack first near a church called Arrowfield Church. But their attack happened too early and was pushed back. They lost many soldiers. Even though the Union forces had a chance to follow up, they did not.

Instead, General Butler decided to focus on destroying the railroad tracks. This was important because railroads were used to move supplies and soldiers. The Union soldiers tore up the tracks to stop the Confederates from using them. They did not try to push past the Confederate defenses.

Naval Action and Challenges

At the same time, five Union gunboats sailed up the Appomattox River. Their goal was to attack Fort Clifton. This fort protected the river.

On land, Union infantry soldiers also tried to attack Fort Clifton. These soldiers included the U.S. Colored Troops, led by Edward Winslow Hincks. They had a very hard time moving through the wet, marshy ground.

The Confederate defenders at Fort Clifton quickly fought back against the gunboats. They forced the Union ships to leave. The land attack by the infantry was also stopped because of the difficult ground and strong Confederate defense.

What Was the Outcome?

The Battle of Swift Creek ended without a clear winner. The Union forces succeeded in damaging the railroad. This was a small victory. However, they failed to advance further towards Petersburg or capture Fort Clifton. The Confederate forces successfully defended their positions. Both sides suffered losses, but the main goals of the Union attack were not fully met.

Map of Swift Creek Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.