August 18-21, 1864 Battle of Weldon Railroad

Union General Ulysses S. Grant pursued a strategy of two-pronged attacks on Petersburg and the Confederate capital at Richmond. Grant first attacked Lee's positions around Richmond and struck again south of Petersburg. By the end of Grant's fourth offensive, Lee's supply lines had been bent but not broken.



(captions)

map represents situation in August 1864



August 14-18,1864—Confederate forces repulse the Union attack on this line. Forces from both sides return south to support the fighting below Petersburg.



August 18-21,1864—As the fighting at Richmond fades Union troops swing south and sever the critical Petersburg (& Weldon) Railroad.Confederate forces repulse the Union attack on this line. Forces from both sides return south to support the fighting below Petersburg.



August 25,1864—Union troops tried to extend their lines along the railroad to Reams Station but were defeated and swept back by the Confederates.

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Show me all markers in:  Petersburg, VA  |  23805  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

Fight for the Weldon Railroad
Fort Wadsworth
Hagood's Brigade
The Petersburg Railroad
Fort Conahey
Fort Hays
Siege of Petersburg—Grant's Fifth Offensive
The Largest Fort
Petersburg Battlefields
Petersburg Defenses

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