Other Names: Combats at Parker’s Store, Craig’s Meeting
House, Todd's Tavern, Brock Road, the Furnaces
Location: Spotsylvania County
Campaign: Grant’s Overland Campaign, aka Wilderness Campaign (May-June
1864)
Date(s): May 5-7,
1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Maj. Gen. George Meade [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: 162,920 total (US 101,895; CS 61,025)
Estimated Casualties: 29,800 total (US 18,400; CS 11,400)
Description: The opening battle of Grant’s sustained offensive
against the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, known as the Overland Campaign and Wilderness Campaign, was fought at the
Wilderness, May 5-7. On the morning of May 5, 1864, the Union V Corps attacked Ewell’s Corps on the Orange Turnpike,
while A.P. Hill’s corps during the afternoon encountered Getty’s Division (VI Corps) and Hancock’s II Corps
on the Plank Road. Fighting was fierce but inconclusive as both sides attempted to maneuver in the dense woods. Darkness halted
the fighting, and both sides rushed forward reinforcements. At dawn on May 6, Hancock attacked along the Plank Road,
driving Hill’s Corps back in confusion. Longstreet’s Corps arrived in time to prevent the collapse of the Confederate
right flank. At noon, a devastating Confederate flank attack in Hamilton’s Thicket sputtered out when Lt. Gen. James
Longstreet was wounded by his own men. The IX Corps (Burnside) moved against the Confederate center, but was repulsed. Union
generals James S. Wadsworth and Alexander Hays were killed. Confederate generals John M. Jones, Micah Jenkins, and Leroy A.
Stafford were killed. The battle was a tactical draw. Grant, however, did not retreat as had the other Union generals before
him. On May 7, the Federals advanced by the left flank toward the crossroads of Spotsylvania Court House. The Campaign continued and even witnessed fierce hand-to-hand combat at Spotsylvania Court House.
Result(s): Inconclusive (Grant continued his offensive.)
Sources: National Park Service; Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
