Last updated: February 8, 2024
Place
Information Panel: Charge Bayonets
Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler
Quick Facts
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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
General John Pope arrived on the battlefield at 1 p.m. on August 29, 1862, with every expectation of defeating Stonewall Jackson. The Union commander directed General Fitz John Porter's Fifth Corps to march toward Gainesville, anticipating a move against the enemy's flank. With this in his mind, Pope order a series of diversionary attacks on the Unfinished Railroad to distract the Confederates.
About mid-afternoon, Pope ordered General Joseph Hooker's division to advance into the woods adjoining the railroad grade and attack. Hesitant to make a direct frontal assault, Hooker sought the support of other Federal troops near Sudley Church to increase the prospect of success. With reassurances of forthcoming assistance, Hooker selected the five-regiment brigade of General Cuvier Grover to spearhead the assault.
The thirty-four-year-old Grover, a West Point graduate, formed his 1,500 soldiers into line and ordered them to fix bayonets. This classic bayonet charge- uncommon during the Civil War due to advances in rifled weaponry- initially caught the Confederates by surprise and achieved stunning success. But the lack if promised support allowed time for the Rebels to rally and doomed the attack to failure.
The Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail (1.2 miles) explores the ground over which Grover's bayonet charge took place. Interpretive exhibits discuss the attack in detail and tell the stories of several participants. Hiking time is approximately 45 minutes.
About mid-afternoon, Pope ordered General Joseph Hooker's division to advance into the woods adjoining the railroad grade and attack. Hesitant to make a direct frontal assault, Hooker sought the support of other Federal troops near Sudley Church to increase the prospect of success. With reassurances of forthcoming assistance, Hooker selected the five-regiment brigade of General Cuvier Grover to spearhead the assault.
The thirty-four-year-old Grover, a West Point graduate, formed his 1,500 soldiers into line and ordered them to fix bayonets. This classic bayonet charge- uncommon during the Civil War due to advances in rifled weaponry- initially caught the Confederates by surprise and achieved stunning success. But the lack if promised support allowed time for the Rebels to rally and doomed the attack to failure.
The Unfinished Railroad Loop Trail (1.2 miles) explores the ground over which Grover's bayonet charge took place. Interpretive exhibits discuss the attack in detail and tell the stories of several participants. Hiking time is approximately 45 minutes.