Williamsburg
After the Confederate retreat from Yorktown, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan sent forward his III Corps to pursue the Confederates under Gen Joseph E. Johnston. The Union troops caught up with the Rebels four miles southeast of Williamsburg and attacked on May 5, 1862. Heavy fighting ensued along Johnston’s defenses as both sides brought up reinforcements. The Confederates counterattacked the Union left, while the Federals gained ground on their right. That evening, Johnston pulled back and McClellan followed.
Battle Facts
Result
Inconclusive
COMMANDERS
Forces Engaged
72,591
Union
40,768
Confederate
31,823
Total Estimated Casualties
3,843
Union
2,283
Confederate
1,560
Civil War
Battle Map
BATTLE MAP | American Battlefield Trust’s map of the Battle of Williamsburg, Virginia on May 5, 1862
Civil War
Battle Map
BATTLE MAP | American Battlefield Trust’s map of the 1862 Peninsula Campaign
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