Battle of White Oak Swamp

Other Names: None

Location: Henrico County, Virginia

Campaign: Peninsula Campaign (March-September 1862)

Date: June 30, 1862

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. William Franklin [US]; Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson [CS]

Forces Engaged: Units from Army of the Potomac [US]; Units from Army of Northern Virginia [CS]

Casualties and losses: Approx. 100

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

The Union rearguard under Maj. Gen. William Franklin stopped Jackson's divisions at the White Oak Bridge crossing, resulting in an artillery duel, while the main battle raged two miles farther south at Glendale or Frayser's Farm. White Oak Swamp can be considered part of the Glendale engagement. Jackson's inaction allowed some units to be detached from Franklin's corps in late afternoon to reinforce the Union troops at Glendale. Jackson did not inform Lee of his situation and Lee did not send anyone to find Jackson until it was too late to make a difference. Although Jackson's wing of the Army and Franklin's corps comprised tens of thousands of men, the action at White Oak Swamp included no infantry activity and was limited to primarily an artillery duel.