Grant Crosses the Pamunkey

— Lee vs. Grant - The 1864 Campaign —

Federal infantry left the camps around Mangohick Church on the morning of May 28, 1864, and pressed southward toward the Pamunkey River. In order to speed up the pace of the march, the army followed parallel routes. The Second and Sixth Corps moved toward Nelson's Crossing, while the Fifth and Ninth Corps marched farther east, in the direction of a downstream crossing at Hanovertown. Engineers from New York constructed pontoon bridges at each crossing to expedite the maneuver. Two pontoon bridges stood here at Ne1son's Crossing, each about 140 feet long.

The Union infantry entrenched on the first high ridge south of the river, facing the valley of Totopotomoy Creek. A portion of the Sixth Corps explored to the northwest, guarding the army's flank in the direction of Hanover Court House.

Meanwhile Federal cavalry collided with Confederate horsemen due south of here at Haw's Shop. Once Grant's army crossed the Pamunkey, its movements became more apparent to the Confederates, allowing Lee to formulate a response that ultimately led to the Battle of Cold Harbor.

"These canvas pontoons are funny looking; they consist of a boat-shaped frame, which is wrapped in a great sheet of canvas and put in the water? It looks as if the Commander-in-Chief [Grant] had undertaken the washing business on a large scale, and was oaking' his soiled clothing."
- Theodore Lyman, staff of General Meade

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Hanover, VA  |  King William County  |  23069  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

William Latan
Newmarket
Union Army's Crossing of the Pamunkey River
Hanovertown
"Hanover Town"
Studley
Salem Church/Haw's Shop
Early Airmail Service
Enon Church
Enon Church

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.