Battle of Port Walthall Junction

Other Names: None

Location: Chesterfield County, Virginia

Campaign: Bermuda Hundred Campaign (May-June 1864)

Date: May 6-7, 1864

Principal Commanders: 

Forces Engaged: 8,000[US]; 2,600[CS]

Casualties and losses: 550 total

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

In conjunction with the opening of Grant's Overland Campaign, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler's Army of the James, 33,000 strong, disembarked from transports at Bermuda Hundred on May 5, threatening the Richmond-Petersburg Railroad. On May 6, Hagood's brigade stopped initial Federal probes at Port Walthall Junction. On May 7, a Union division drove Hagood's and Johnson's brigades from the depot and cut the railroad at Port Walthall Junction. Confederate defenders retired behind Swift Run Creek and awaited reinforcements. Overnight Hagood had fallen back from Old Stage Road to the railroad line itself, using the slight embankment to strengthen his position. Heckman's division drove Hagood's and Johnson's brigades from the depot and cut the railroad at Port Walthall Junction. It wasn’t a bad break, only about a half mile of track, and not as thoroughly as western troops wrecked things. Confederate defenders retired behind Swift Run Creek and awaited reinforcements.