Petersburg in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Battle of White Oak Road

Breaking the Line

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 22, 2006

1. Breaking the Line Marker

Inscription. The Battle of White Oak Road left the Federals in position to block Confederate reinforcements from reaching their comrades further west. Both the Battle of White Oak Road and the Battle of Dinwiddie Court House were preludes to the climactic April 1st Battle of Five Forks; the “Waterloo of the Confederacy.” A late-afternoon attack at Five Forks, coupled with poor communication among the Southern command, allowed the Union an easy victory. Upon hearing this news, General Grant ordered an all-out assault at various points along the weakened Confederate line for the following morning. On April 2, 1865, after almost ten months of siege, Federal forces finally broke the Confederate line around Petersburg and cut all supply lines to the city. The Army of Northern Virginia abandoned Petersburg and the Confederate government fled the capital in Richmond. Seven days later Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, eighty miles to the west.

Erected by Civil War Preservation Trust.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Notable Places • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 1823.

Location.

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37° 9.064′ N, 77° 32.817′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia, in Dinwiddie County. Marker can be reached from White Oak Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located on a walking trail that starts from the parking lot of the White Oak Road Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named The Battle of White Oak Road (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of White Oak Road (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of White Oak Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Battle of White Oak Road (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named The Battle of White Oak Road (about 700 feet away); White Oak Road Engagement (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gravelly Run Quaker Meeting House (approx. 1½ miles away); Raceland (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

More about this marker. The bottom of the marker contains a picture with the caption, “The Federals blocking White Oak Road would seriously affect the outcome of the fighting at Five Forks, just four miles west of here. On April 1, 1865, Union Major

Civil War Preservation Trust image. Click for more information.

2. Civil War Preservation Trust

General Philip Sheridan attacked Confederate Major General George Pickett’s division at Five Forks. With his troops cut off from the rest of the Confederate army and no hope for reinforcements, Pickett’s division was routed. Over 5,000 Confederate prisoners were captured at Five Forks (shown here) along with 13 flags and six guns. In a few short days the Confederates would surrender at Appomattox Court House (above right). The upper right of the marker features a copy of the announcement of Lee’s surrender to Grant.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Virtual Tour by Markers of the White Oak Road Battlefield. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . .
1. White Oak Road. The Civil War Siege of Petersburg. (Submitted on December 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. Saving America’s Threatened Civil War Battlefields. Civil War Preservation Trust. (Submitted on December 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Marker on the Battle of White Oak Road Walking Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 22, 2006

3. Marker on the Battle of White Oak Road Walking Trail

Walking Trail on the White Oak Road Battlefield image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 22, 2006

4. Walking Trail on the White Oak Road Battlefield

The marker is the final one on the Battle of White Oak Road walking trail.

The Battle of White Oak Road Walking Trail Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 22, 2006

5. The Battle of White Oak Road Walking Trail Map

The location of "Breaking the Line" marker is indicated on this map of the walking trail.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,520 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on March 30, 2009. 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.