Although victorious at Beaver Dam Creek on June 26, 1862, Union General George B. McClellan believed Stonewall Jackson's 25,000 Confederates threatened the Union right flank. The next morning, June 27, McClellan ordered Fitz John Porter's Fifth Corps to retire from its position behind Beaver Dam Creek toward the Chichahominy and continue with the rest of the Union army to the James River. McClellan's decision signaled the end of offensive operations against Richmond. He had surrendered the initiative to Robert E. Lee.

Porter's Union soldiers reached this plateau by mid-morning of June 27th. They faced west and north, occupying a two mile front on this high ground overlooking Boatswain's Creek. Porter's defense shielded the army's retreat which had already started on the other side of the Chickahominy River. The river is just one mile behind you to the south. Lee's assault against this line would begin about 2:00 pm.

Follow this loop trail to visit the scenes of some of the heaviest fighting of the Battle of Gaines' Mill.

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Show me all markers in:  Mechanicsville, VA  |  Hanover County  |  23111  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

Gaines' Mill
Seven Days Battles
The Watt House
Springfield Plantation
Lee's First Victory: At a Huge Cost
Battle of Gaines' Mill
Confederate Pursuit
Powerful Position
Union Artillery
Final Stand

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