Trevilian Station - June 11, 1864 - First Contact

American Battlefield Trust’s map of the Battle of Trevilian Station

On the morning of June 11, 1864, Custer’s Michigan cavalrymen were picketing the Marquis Road when, at around 5:00 a.m., Confederate horsemen under Gen. Williams Wickham surprised the Yankees, many of whom were eating breakfast. Wickham’s Virginians drove the Federals up the Marquis Road capturing several of Custer’s men. Ultimately, the Wolverines repulsed Wickham’s attack before being called away to another part of the field. However, the firefight marked the beginning of the largest all-cavalry battle of the Civil War.

Learn More: The Battle of Trevilian Station