Battle of Yellow Tavern facts for kids
The Battle of Yellow Tavern was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on May 11, 1864, in Henrico County, Virginia. This battle was part of a bigger plan called the Overland Campaign.
A Union general named Philip Sheridan led the cavalry (soldiers on horseback) for the Union. He wanted to ride behind the Confederate army, led by General J.E.B. Stuart. Sheridan hoped to cut off their supplies and defeat Stuart's cavalry.
Contents
The Battle Begins
General Sheridan began his daring raid on May 9. General Stuart quickly followed him. On May 11, 1864, the two cavalry forces met at Yellow Tavern. This spot was about six miles north of Richmond.
Key Moments of the Fight
At first, the Confederate soldiers successfully stopped several attacks from the Union side. But later that afternoon, a Union unit made a big breakthrough. This was General George A. Custer's Michigan Brigade. They managed to break through the middle of the Confederate lines.
General Stuart's Injury
Towards the end of the battle, something very important happened. General J.E.B. Stuart was badly wounded. He was shot by one of Custer's men. General Stuart died the very next day from his injury.
After Stuart was wounded, the Confederate soldiers had to leave the battlefield. The battle itself was not considered a major turning point in the war. However, General Stuart's death was a big loss for the Confederacy. About 800 soldiers from both sides were either killed or wounded in this battle.
Images for kids
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Sheridan's Richmond Raid, including the Battles of Yellow Tavern and Meadow Bridge
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Yellow Tavern para niños
