Battle of Cold Harbor

Cold Harbor

Map of Battle

Date: May 31-June 12, 1864

Location: Richmond, VA

Result: Lee's army won

Belligerent

Belligerent

Leaders

Leaders

"I have always regretted that the last assault at Cold Harbor was ever made … No advantage whatever was gained to compensate for the heavy loss we sustained."

The only way to win the battle against Lee was to bring him out on open battlefield to outpower and outman him.

Goal: For North to capture the important cross raods at Cold Harbor Union drove the Confederates from the cross raods and began building a defensive trenches. Furthermore, Grant was determined to overpower Lee and come between the Confederates and Richmond. Due to many delays, Lee's army was able to set up angled defenses. When Union army advanced, it became a massacre of Union cavalry.

Aftermath

The Battle

Defeat of UnionMost unbalanced battle of warTotal Causalties: 17,332Union: 1,844 killed 9,077 wounded 1,816 captured & missing 12,737Confederate: 83 killed 3,380 wounded 1,132 captured & missing 4,595

General Grant

General Lee

Weapon: Colt Army RevolverMedical treatment: An inhaler was used to reduce the waste of chloroform.Topography: It was flat with small creeks, gullies, and swamps. The nearest harbor was miles away with warm weather.