Battle of Yellow Tavern

Other Names: None

Location: Henrico County, Virginia

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

Date: May 11, 1864

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US]; Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart [CS]

Forces Engaged: 12,000 [US]; 5,000 [CS]

Casualties and losses: 800 total

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

As the battle between Grant and Lee raged at Spotsylvania Court House, the Union cavalry corps under Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan embarked on a cavalry raid against Richmond. After disrupting Lee's road and rail communications, Sheridan's cavalry expedition climaxed with the battle of Yellow Tavern on May 11. The outnumbered Confederate cavalry was defeated, and Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart was mortally wounded. Sheridan continued south to threaten the Richmond defenses before joining Butler's command at Bermuda Hundred. After refitting, Sheridan rejoined the Army of the Potomac on May 25 for the march to the southeast and the crossing of the Pamunkey. Sheridan disengaged his men and headed south toward Richmond. Although tempted to burst through the modest defenses to the north of the city, they continued south across the Chickahominy River to link up with Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler's force on the James River.