Battle of Darbytown Road

Other Names: None

Location: Henrico County, near Sandston, Virginia

Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)

Date: October 13, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Alfred Terry [US]; Lt. Gen. Richard Anderson [CS]

Forces Engaged: Corps

Casualties and losses: 950 total

Result(s): Confederate victory

Brief Description:

On October 13, Union forces advanced to find and feel the new Confederate defensive line in front of Richmond. While mostly a battle of skirmishers, a Federal brigade assaulted fortifications north of Darbytown Road and was repulsed with heavy casualties. The Federals retired to their entrenched lines along New Market Road. Lee ordered Field and Hoke to build this new defensive line between Richmond’s inner line and the Union position, with the goal of connecting nearby Fort Gilmer to Charles City Road, leading to Darbytown. When Union pickets detected this construction, it was reported to General Kautz leading to General Grant advising General Butler, head of the Army of the James, to send a reconnaissance force to test the Confederate defenses. Union forces would attack the new Confederate defensive position; however it proved unsuccessful as the Confederates repelled Union forces and finished the construction of their new fortifications.