Battle of Wilson's Wharf

Other Names: Fort Pocahontas

Location: Charles City, Virginia

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

Date: May 24, 1864

Principal Commanders:  Brig. Gen. Edward Wild [US]; Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee [CS]

Forces Engaged: 1,100, 2 guns, USS Dawn[US]; 2,500[CS]

Casualties and losses: 165 total

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

On May 24, Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry division attacked the Union supply depot at Wilson's Wharf and was repulsed by two black regiments under Brig. Gen. Edward Wild. Lee planned a two-pronged attack. Brig. Gen. Williams C. Wickham's brigade moved east of the fort, concealed in ravines of Kennon Creek. Materially, this action had little effect on the outcome of the war, but the North scored a propaganda victory. It was the first significant combat encounter between the Army of Northern Virginia and black soldiers, who had fought well in a defensive battle against a larger attacking force.