First Battle of Deep Bottom

Other Names: Darbytown, Strawberry Plains, New Market Road, Gravel Hill

Location: Henrico County, Virginia

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

Date:  July 27-29, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock [US]; Maj. Gen. Joseph B. Kershaw and Lt. Gen. R.H. Anderson [CS]

Forces Engaged: Corps

Casualties and losses: 1,000 total

Result(s): Confederate victory

Brief Description:

During the night of July 26-27, the Union II Corps and two divisions of Sheridan's cavalry under command of Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock crossed to the north side of James River to threaten Richmond. This demonstration diverted Confederate forces from the impending attack at Petersburg on July 30. Union efforts to turn the Confederate position at New Market Heights and Fussell's Mill were abandoned when the Confederates strongly reinforced their lines and counterattacked. During the night of July 29, the Federals recrossed the river leaving a garrison as heretofore to hold the bridgehead at Deep Bottom. By the afternoon of July 28, Hancock had repositioned his divisions to ensure that his force could return to the Deep Bottom crossing point without interference. No further combat occurred and the expedition against Richmond and its railroads was terminated.