Driving Tour: The Battle of Burgess’ Mill

Please Join us for this Civil War educational caravan driving tour covering the Battle of Burgess’ Mill that occurred in October 1864 as part of Grant’s Sixth Offensive in the Petersburg Campaign. The Battle was also known as the Battle of Boydton Plank Road and/or The First Battle of Hatcher’s Run. This tour will feature four stops across hallowed grounds on which the battle was fought. Stops will include public and American Battlefield Trust properties. Water and snacks will be provided during the tour; optional lunch will follow at Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant, North Dinwiddie (pay for your own meal). The Boydton Plank Road was one of the two remaining supply lines for Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia manning the defenses of Petersburg and Richmond in the Fall of 1864. With the added pressure of the 1864 Presidential Election, Union Lieutenant General Grant's strategy centered on cutting off the Boydton Plank Road and ultimately reaching and cutting the Southside Railroad. Grant would send elements of three Federal Corps and a division of cavalry around Lee’s right flank in an effort to cut off this important roadway and reach for the Southside railroad. General Lee, Heth, and Hampton moved swiftly to cut off and isolate the Federal maneuver!