Battle of Darbytown and New Market Roads

Other Names: None

Location: Henrico County, Virginia

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

Date: October 7, 1864

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. A. Kautz and Maj. Gen. David Birney [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]

Forces Engaged: X Corps [US]; 2 Divisions [CS]

Casualties and losses: 1,750 total

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

Responding to the loss of Fort Harrison and the increasing Federal threat against Richmond, Gen. Robert E. Lee directed an offensive against the Union far right flank on October 7. After routing the Federal cavalry from their position covering Darbytown Road, Field's and Hoke's divisions assaulted the main Union defensive line along New Market Road and were repulsed. Confederate Gen. John Gregg of the Texas brigade was killed. The Federals were not dislodged, and Lee withdrew into the Richmond defenses. Beyond the uneven differences in casualty totals, Lee failed in his attempt to regain the ground that he lost at the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm and New Market Heights. The unsuccessful Rebel assault was Lee’s last offensive north of the James River during the Civil War.