Peninsula Campaign
In the spring of 1862, Union armies invaded the South on nearly every front. General George B. McClellan’s army, however, was the largest and most dangerous. His massive movements on the Virginia Peninsula were opposed by smaller but equally dangerous Confederate forces under General Joseph E. Johnston and Robert E. Lee.
On March 8-9, the ironclad CSS Virginia engaged the Federal blockading fleet at Hampton Roads and defeated several Union vessels before the USS Monitor halted her attack. Forced to seek shelter in the James River, the Virginia no longer posed any threat to Federal ships supporting the Union army’s advance.
With his supply line secure, McClellan began his movement “On to Richmond!” Confederate forces conducted a stubborn fighting withdrawal, pulling back from Yorktown in the face of Federal siege operations, and delaying the Federals in bloody combat at Williamsburg. At the outskirts of Richmond, Johnston halted his retreat and attacked. The Battle of Seven Pines was one of the most consequential of the war. During the fight, Johnston was wounded, and command of his army given to General Robert E. Lee.
The first year of the war had not been kind to Lee. He suffered a defeat at the hands of McClellan in a small campaign in Western Virginia, served as commander of the South’s defenses along the Atlantic, and finally became Jefferson Davis’ military advisor. With a field army at his command, however, Lee proved his capabilities. In the last week of June he launched an aggressive campaign against McClellan. Over the course of seven days, Lee attacked the Union army at Beaver Dam Creek, Gaines’ Mill, Glendale and finally at Malvern Hill. Lee’s offensive drove the army farther from the capital, saved Richmond and ushered in an era of Southern dominance in the East.
Donate today to preserve Civil War battlefields and the nation’s history for generations to come.
 Civil War
Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's Army of the Potomac remained northeast of Richmond for three weeks... |
 Civil War
Despite his victory over the Confederates at Beaver Dam Creek on June 26th, Maj. Gen. Fitz John... |
 Civil War
Following the rear guard action at Savage's Station on June 29th, Maj. Gen. George McClellan's Army... |
 Civil War
When Virginia seceded in April 1861, many of the vessels, guns and repair facilities of the U. S... |
 Civil War
In early April 1862, the Army of the Potomac moved up the Virginia Peninsula in two columns. The... |
 Civil War
On June 30th, the retreating Federal Army of the Potomac finally stopped at the James River at the... |
 Civil War
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston withdrew his army from the Virginia Peninsula toward the Confederate... |
 Civil War
Following the Confederate withdrawal from their Yorktown position, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan... |
 Civil War
Most of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's army was not on the peninsula on April 4th when Maj. Gen. George... |
The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 51,000 acres in 24 states!
SEE THE LAND WE'VE SAVED
Shop and Preserve
Show your pride in battlefield preservation by shopping in our store. Every purchase supports the mission.
Give with Confidence!
The Majority of our funds go directly to Preservation and Education.