Civil War Sites Advisory Commission

Battle Summaries

National Park Service

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For Additional Information: See Seven Pines in the "Choose Battlefield" Menu

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Seven Pines

CWSAC Reference #: VA014

Other Names: Fair Oaks, Fair Oaks Station

Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class B)

Location: Henrico County

Campaign: Peninsula Campaign (March-August 1862)

Date(s): May 31-June 1, 1862

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan [US]; Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith [CS]

Forces Engaged: Armies: (84,000 total)

Estimated Casualties: 13,736 total (US 5,739; CS 7,997)

Description: On May 31, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston attempted to overwhelm two Federal corps that appeared isolated south of the Chickahominy River. The Confederate assaults, though not well coordinated, succeeded in driving back the IV Corps and inflicting heavy casualties. Reinforcements arrived, and both sides fed more and more troops into the action. Supported by the III Corps and Sedgwick's division of Sumner's II Corps (that crossed the rain-swollen river on Grapevine Bridge), the Federal position was finally stabilized. Gen. Johnston was seriously wounded during the action, and command of the Confederate army devolved temporarily to Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith. On June 1, the Confederates renewed their assaults against the Federals who had brought up more reinforcements but made little headway. Both sides claimed victory. Confederate Brig. Gen. Robert H. Hatton was killed.

Result(s): Inconclusive

National Park Unit: Richmond National Battlefield Park

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Original Source: http://www2.cr.nps.gov/abpp/battles/va014.htm

Last Updated: 2/26/1996

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(Source: Civil War Sites Advisory Commission Report: Battle Summaries, published by the National Park Service.)