📅 On This Day in Military History

May 21

1 event across history

⚔️📍 North Anna River, Virginia1864

Battle of North Anna — Grant vs. Lee in the Overland Campaign

Grant's Union army attacked Lee's Confederate forces at the North Anna River, only to find Lee had arranged his defenses in an inverted V formation that allowed him to concentrate against either Union wing. Lee was ill and bedridden during the battle.

North Anna was arguably Lee's most brilliant tactical arrangement, but his illness prevented the follow-through that might have destroyed Grant's army; Grant disengaged and moved south.

Outcome

Confederate defensive success; Grant continues south toward Richmond

Casualties

4,000