siege of Petersburg june – october 1864

source : ‘the atlas of the civil war’ by James M. McPherson, Courage Books, 2005

As most of the railroads which served Lee’s army and Richmond – the confederate capital – passed through Petersburg, in june 1864 the city became the target for general Grant’s army of the Potomac.

‘the forlon hope’ by Don Troiani

assaults at Petersburg (june 16-18 1864)

source : ‘the atlas of the civil war’ by James M. McPherson, Courage Books, 2005

The federal plan for the capture of Petersburg called for general William Smith’s 18th corps to advance from its Bermuda Hundred enclave, and assault the city’s defenses from the east.

Cold Harbour to Petersburg (june 4-15 1864)

source : ‘the atlas of the civil war’ by James M. McPherson, Courage Books, 2005

Following its repulse at Cold Harbour on june 3, the army of the Potomac entrenched opposite its opponent.

overland campaign map