"Dashing up the steep bank, being within thirty yards of the enemy's works, we flew towards the breastworks, cleared them, and slaughtered the retreating devils as they scampered up the hill towards their battery." Decimus Barziza, 4th Texas Infantry

The decisive moment of the Battle of Gaines' Mill came around 7:00 p.m. where you are standing. Frustrated by the unsuccessful piecemeal assaults, Lee approached Brigadier General John Bell Hood and asked "Can you break this line?" Hood replied, "I will try."

Approaching the creek, Hood waved his sword and shouted, "Forward! Forward!" The Texans and Georgians broke into a run, screaming the piercing Rebel Yell. Federals along the front line found Hood's line unstoppable. They turned and fled up the hill, crashing into the second and third lines. Retreat turned to rout.

A mile away on the Confederate left, another breakthrough occurred at nearly the same time, initiating an argument about who penetrated the Union line first. Perhaps it was Lee's presence in this sector of the battlefield that pinned the recognition on Hood's brave men.

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

Confederate Grand Assault
The Union Left Flank
Pickett's Brigade, CSA
Hood's Attack
The Battle Begins
Whiting's Advance
Morell's Division, USA
Powerful Position
The Federal Collapse
Final Stand

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