Battle of Old Church

Other Names: Matadequin Creek

Location: Hanover County, Virginia

Campaign: Grant's Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)

Date: May 30, 1864

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Alfred Torbert [US]; Brig. Gen. Matthew C. Butler [CS]

Forces Engaged: 1 division [US]; 2,000 (1 brigade)[CS]

Casualties and losses: 900 total

Result(s): 

Brief Description:Union victory

With the armies stalemated along the Totopotomoy Creek line, the Federal cavalry began probing east and south. On May 30, Torbert's Division attacked and defeated Butler's Brigade near Old Church. Butler's troopers were driven steadily back on the road to Old Cold Harbor, opening the door for Sheridan's capture of the important crossroads the next day. Although Butler had successfully gathered the information that Robert E. Lee needed, for the second time in three days, Haw's Shop and Matadequin Creek, the Confederate cavalry had been driven back by their Union counterparts, and in both cases Custer's brigade had provided the crucial force needed to prevail.