Name: The First Battle of Reams Station
Other Names: Reams’ Station
Location: Dinwiddie County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 29, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. James Wilson and Brig. Gen. August Kautz [US]; Maj. Gen. William Mahone and Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions
Estimated Casualties: 600 total (1,817 for entire raid)
Description: Early morning June 29, Brig. Gen. August Kautz’s division reached Ream’s Station on the Weldon Railroad, which was thought to be held by Union infantry. Instead, Kautz found the road barred by Mahone’s Confederate infantry division. Wilson’s division, fighting against elements of William H.F. “Rooney” Lee’s cavalry, joined Kautz’s near Ream’s Station, where they were virtually surrounded. About noon, Mahone’s infantry assaulted their front while Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry division threatened the Union left flank. The raiders burned their wagons and abandoned their artillery. Separated by the Confederate attacks, Wilson and his men cut their way through and fled south on the Stage Road to cross Nottoway River, while Kautz went cross-country, reaching Federal lines at Petersburg about dark. Wilson continued east to the Blackwater River before turning north, eventually reaching Union lines at Light House Point on July 2. The Wilson-Kautz raid tore up more than 60 miles of track, temporarily disrupting rail traffic into Petersburg, but at a great cost in men and mounts.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Note: I will be writing full summaries of each battle in time. For now, please see the sites listed below for more information.
Bibliography:
First Person Accounts:
Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Battle:
- Operations South of the James River: I. First Attempts to Capture Petersburg by August V. Kautz
- Reams Station Vicinity: Official Records
- The First Battle of Reams Station: June 29, 1864
- Union Position Near Reams Station, June 29, 1864: Official Records
Source: CWSAC Battle Summary