Battle Name: |
Gaines’ Mill |
Other Names: |
First Cold Harbor |
State: |
Virginia |
Location: |
Hanover County |
Campaign: |
Peninsula Campaign (March-September 1862) |
Dates: |
June 27, 1862 |
Principal Commanders: |
Brig. Gen. Fitz John Porter [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS] |
Forces Engaged: |
91,232 total (US 34,214; CS 57,018) |
Estimated Casualties: |
15,500 total (US 6,800; CS 8,700) |
Description: |
This was the third of the Seven Days’ Battles. On June 27, 1862, Gen. Robert E. Lee renewed his
attacks against Porter’s V Corps, which had established a strong defensive line behind Boatswain’s Swamp north
of the Chickahominy River. Porter’s reinforced V Corps held fast for the afternoon against disjointed Confederate
attacks, inflicting heavy casualties. At dusk, the Confederates finally mounted a coordinated assault that broke
Porter’s line and drove his soldiers back toward the river. The Federals retreated across the river during the night.
Defeat at Gaines’ Mill convinced McClellan to abandon his advance on Richmond and begin the retreat to James
River. Gaines’ Mill saved Richmond for the Confederacy in 1862. |
Results: |
Confederate victory |