Battle of Cold Harbor

May 31 – June 12, 1864 · Eastern Theater

Phases

1. 1May 31–Jun 2 — The CrossroadsMay 31 – June 2, 1864
2. 2June 3, 4:30 AM — The AssaultJune 3, 1864 — 4:30 to 5:00 AM
3. 3Jun 4–12 — Deadlock, Then the JamesJune 4–12, 1864

May 31 – June 2, 1864

Sheridan’s troopers seize the dusty crossroads called Old Cold Harbor — ten miles from Richmond — and hold it with repeating carbines until the infantry arrives. A June 1 evening attack gains ground and 750 prisoners. But the follow-up assault is postponed a fatal day — Hancock’s corps marches all night the wrong way — and Lee’s army uses the gift to dig seven miles of interlocking works. The veterans in blue look at the ground and know.

• ➤Sheridan’s cavalry — Seizes the crossroads, holds it with repeating carbines
• ●Lee’s line — seven miles, dug in one gifted day
• ●Old Cold Harbor — a tavern crossroads worth an army