First Battle of Ream's Station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Battle of Ream's Station
Part of the American Civil War
A map of the Union raiders' route
Date June 29, 1864 (1864-06-29) Location Dinwiddie County, Virginia Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
James H. Wilson August Kautz	William Mahone Fitzhugh Lee
Strength
4,000	7,000
Casualties and losses
600

The First Battle of Ream's Station happened on June 29, 1864. It was part of the American Civil War and a big event during the Wilson–Kautz Raid. In this battle, Confederate soldiers led by Generals William Mahone and Fitzhugh Lee won against Union cavalry. The Union cavalry was trying to destroy important railroads south of Petersburg, Virginia.

Why the Battle Happened

In June 1864, the American Civil War was still going on. A group of Union soldiers, led by General August Kautz, went into southern Virginia. Their mission was to destroy parts of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. This railroad was very important for the Confederates, as it brought supplies to their troops in Petersburg, Virginia. This action was part of a larger plan called the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign.

On June 29, General Kautz's soldiers reached a place called Ream's Station. They thought Union soldiers were already there. But instead, they found Confederate soldiers led by General Mahone blocking their way. Another Union group, led by General James H. Wilson, joined Kautz's men near Ream's Station. Soon, they found themselves almost completely surrounded by Confederate forces.

The Battle Begins

Map of Ream's Station Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

Around noon, General Mahone led his Confederate soldiers in a strong attack against the Union front. At the same time, Confederate cavalry, led by General Fitzhugh Lee, attacked the Union's left side. This powerful attack split the Union forces into two groups.

Generals Wilson and Kautz had to retreat very quickly. They burned their supply wagons so the Confederates couldn't use them. They also had to leave behind their cannons.

The Union forces were separated by the Confederate attacks. General Wilson and his men fought their way out and headed southwest. They wanted to cross the Nottoway River. General Kautz went south and east across the land. He reached the Union lines near Petersburg by nightfall. Wilson continued east to the Blackwater River before turning north. He finally reached Union lines on July 2.

The Wilson-Kautz raid managed to destroy over 60 miles (97 km) of railroad tracks. This stopped train traffic into Petersburg for a short time. However, the Union army lost many soldiers and horses during this raid.

Protecting the Battlefield

The American Battlefield Trust and its partners have worked to save parts of the Ream's Station battlefield. By November 2021, they had protected 293 acres (1.19 km²) of this important historical site.