Petersburg National Battlefield - Five Forks: The Final Hour (U.S. National Park Service)

April 1, 1865
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Five Forks - April 1, 1865 - 5:00-5:30 pm

With Ford's Road cut off and being pressed on the left and on the front, the Confederates made the first of several attempts to refuse the Union attack on the left and from the rear.

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Five Forks - April 1, 1865 5:30-6pm

In the last stages of the battle a cavalry engagement occurs as Gen. Fitz Lee's (CSA) men repulsed several charges by Gen. Custer's (USA) force. This stand allowed what remained of Pickett's command to escape.

Warren, who is leading his men in one of the V Corps greatest victories, was informed that he has been relieved of command by Sheridan.

Aftermath

Petersburg - April 2, 1865

This Union victory here was the breaking point for Lee's army. No longer able to hold Petersburg and Richmond, the actions that occurred April 2, were the last convulsions of the Siege of Petersburg.

Less than a week later, after some hard marching and bitter fighting, did the Army of Northern Virginia surrender at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

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