Preserving our nation’s hallowed ground requires tireless effort and support from numerous channels, but there is no better feeling than when that work culminates in saving American history and honoring the bravery of our nation’s soldiers.
We at the American Battlefield Trust are incredibly excited to announce 50.5 acres of hallowed ground have been preserved on the Second Deep Bottom Battlefield, located just south of Richmond, Virginia. This land is located directly adjacent to already preserved areas of the battlefield, and much of it remains virtually unchanged from its 1864 appearance. This victory expands our ability to tell the story of Second Deep Bottom, allowing visitors to have a fuller understanding of the battle.
Without our friends and partners, our goal of saving this land would not have been possible, and you have our sincerest thanks.
The Battle of Second Deep Bottom
As he had done in late July of 1864 during the Battle of the Crater, Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant called upon Maj. Gen. Winfield S. Hancock and his II Corps to attack Gen. Robert E. Lee around Richmond. Meanwhile, Lee dispatched Gen. Jubal Early to operate in the Shenandoah Valley. In return, Ulysses S. Grant sent Gen. Philip Sheridan to deal with Early.
By the morning of August 14, Hancock had his men across the James River and in position to attack the Confederate lines. Gen. David D. Birney’s X Corps, detached with Hancock, found Confederates dug in along New Market Heights. Fighting in the area around Fussell’s Mill, east of New Market Heights, resulted in the Federals gaining some ground. On August 16, the Federals launched another attack at Fussell’s Mill. The assault opened a gap in the Confederate line, however Union infantry were driven back by counterattacks.
Several days of fighting and sporadic skirmishing ensued. Eventually, both sides were worn out by the combat and extreme heat. After nearly a week of fighting and almost 4,400 casualties, Hancock abandoned the fight on August 20 and withdrew back across the James River.
Nearly all of an attack from Union Col. George N. Macy, who was badly wounded on the first day of the battle, occurred on this land being preserved. Additionally, the 7th United States Colored Troops and the 9th United States Colored Troops marched through the land to assume a reserve position behind the main Union line the following day. Protecting this land preserves this history, creates an opportunity to interpret the United States Colored Troops' role in the battle and protects the larger historic landscape in the face of ongoing development around Richmond.
Saving this hallowed ground would not have been possible without support from the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation and the American Battlefield Protection Program. These crucial grants, paired with support from local partners and your generosity, have ensured the hallowed ground at Second Deep Bottom will be cherished forever.
We can only fulfill our mission at the Trust through the stalwart support of our friends and donors. Our victories are your victories.
‘Til the battle is won.
David N. Duncan
President
American Battlefield Trust