Five Forks Battlefield facts for kids
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Five Forks Battlefield
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Battle of Five Forks
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Five Forks, Dinwiddie County, Virginia, USA |
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| Nearest city | Petersburg, Virginia |
| Area | 1,215 acres (4.92 km2) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000830 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 19, 1960 |
The Five Forks Battlefield is a very important place from the American Civil War. It's where the Battle of Five Forks happened on April 1, 1865. In this battle, the Union Army broke through the lines of the Confederate Army.
This victory was a huge step for the Union. It helped them take control of the last railroad line that supplied Petersburg. When the Confederates lost this battle, they had to leave Petersburg. This also weakened the defense of Richmond, which was the Confederate capital. Just eight days later, the main Confederate army surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse.
Today, part of the battlefield is a unit of Petersburg National Battlefield. You can visit it and explore trails to see important spots. Over 1,200 acres (490 ha) around Five Forks was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Groups like the American Battlefield Trust have also helped protect 419 acres (1.70 km2) of this historic land.
Contents
The Battle of Five Forks: A Turning Point
The Battle of Five Forks was a crucial moment near the end of the Civil War. It showed how determined the Union forces were to end the conflict.
Lee's Orders and Pickett's Challenge
Before the battle, Confederate General Robert E. Lee gave a clear order. He told General George Pickett and his soldiers to hold Five Forks no matter what. This spot was vital because it controlled the last supply route to Petersburg.
Union's Powerful Attack
On April 1, 1865, the Union Army launched a strong attack. Union troops led by General Gouverneur K. Warren managed to break through Pickett's defenses. At the same time, General Philip H. Sheridan personally led a daring cavalry charge. This combined attack was too much for the Confederate forces, and they were overwhelmed.
A Surprising Shad Bake
The battlefield area includes almost all the places where fighting happened. It also has a home called "Burnt Quarter". A famous story from the battle involves General Pickett. He was at a "shad bake," which is a feast where people cook fish. He was enjoying himself and didn't know a major battle was happening nearby. It's said that strange cloud conditions stopped the sound of the cannons from traveling as far as they usually would. This meant Pickett was caught off guard by the Union attack.
