Battle Detail

Chaffin's Farm / New Market Heights

Other Name:
Combats at New Market Heights, Fort Harrison, Fort Johnson, Fort Gilmer, Laurel Hill
Campaign:
Richmond-Petersburg Campaign
Date(s):
June-December 1864
Principal Commanders:
Major General Benjamin Butler [US] Major General Robert Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged:
0 total (US 0; CS 0;)
Estimated Casualties:
5000 total (US 3300; CS 1700;)
Description:
During the night of September 28-29, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler's Army of the James crossed James River to assault the Richmond defenses north of the river. The columns attacked at dawn. After initial Union successes at New Market Heights and Fort Harrison, the Confederates rallied and contained the breakthrough. Lee reinforced his lines north of the James and, on September 30, he counterattacked unsuccessfully. The Federals entrenched, and the Confederates erected a new line of works cutting off the captured forts. Union general Burnham was killed. As Grant anticipated, Lee shifted troops to meet the threat against Richmond, weakening his lines at Petersburg.
Results:
Union Victory
CWSAC Reference #:
VA075
Preservation Priority: