Boydton Plank Road Battlefield

In an attempt to siege the Boydton and Petersburg Plank Road and to cut off the South Side Railroad, Union forces attacked Confederates forces from October 27-28, 1864, near Petersburg, Virginia, at the Battle of Boydton Plank Road, also known as the Battle of Burgess Mill or First Hatcher’s Run. While Confederate forces maintained their position on Boydton Plank Road, the Union earned a tactical victory before both armies settled into their winter quarters.  

Situated at the historic intersection of Boydton Plank Road and Dabney Mill Road, this tract occupied a pivotal position during the fighting of October 27, 1864. In the early afternoon, Union forces under Maj. Gen. Régis de Trobriand advanced to this intersection, forming a curved battle line that stretched across open ground on both sides of the road. Their presence threatened Confederate control of the vital Boydton Plank Road, prompting a determined counterattack from Maj. Gen. William Mahone’s troops advancing from the north. As pressure mounted, de Trobriand was forced to extend his line along Dabney Mill Road to avoid being overwhelmed. Despite the intensity of the assault, Union skirmishers on this tract held firm, successfully repelling Confederate cavalry.

Once endangered by its proximity to Interstate 85 and plans for residential or commercial development, this property is now permanently protected and represents the first time the Trust has preserved ground associated with the Boydton Plank Road Battlefield. With our members' support, as well as funds from the American Battlefield Protection Program and the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, this critical piece of the Petersburg Campaign landscape is saved forever.

The Clements House, which was there at the time of the battle, stands near where the fighting occurred; it is currently being restored to its wartime appearance. A historic marker on the property details more about the battle.