Battle of Appomattox Station

Other Names: None

Location: Appomattox County, Virginia

Campaign:  Appomattox Campaign (March-April 1865)

Date: April 8, 1865

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George A. Custer [US]; Brig. Gen. Lindsay Walker [CS]

Forces Engaged: 4,000[US]; 3,000[CS]

Casualties and losses: Unknown

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

Custer's division captured a supply train and twenty-five guns, driving off and scattering the Confederate defenders. This unique action pitted artillery without infantry support against cavalry. Custer captured and burned three trains loaded with provisions for Lee's army. After capturing the supply trains, the Union cavalry attacked the Confederate artillery batteries and their supporting dismounted cavalrymen, armed artillerymen and engineers and infantry stragglers. After making several futile charges in gathering darkness, the Union cavalry broke the Confederate defenses as the Confederates began to withdraw, taking as many guns and wagons with them as they could. After their breakthrough, Custer's men followed the fleeing Confederates in a running battle to the Lynchburg stage road, on which the Union troopers seized an important foothold.