Williamsburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Battle of Williamsburg
By Brandon D Cross
1. Battle of Williamsburg Marker
The Battle of Williamsburg, fought on 5 May 1862, was the first major engagement of the Peninsula Campaign. Union Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, slowly advancing from Hampton Roads toward Richmond, encountered the rear guard of Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's westward-moving army near here. Confederates under Maj. Gen. James Longstreet delayed the Union advance in a fierce, daylong battle in a driving rain. Nearly 41,000 Federals and 32,000 Confederates were engaged, with about 4,000 casualties. The result was a draw, although both sides claimed victory. The next day, the Confederates continued marching toward Richmond and Union troops occupied Williamsburg.Erected 2015 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-43.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 37° 15.856′ N, 76° 40.735′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Pocahontas Trail (U.S. 60) and Avon Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Pocahontas
By Brandon D Cross
2. Battle of Williamsburg Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Peninsula Campaign (a few steps from this marker); Quarterpath Road (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Fort Magruder (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Magruder’s Defenses (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Williamsburg (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Quarterpath Road (approx. half a mile away); Vineyard Tract (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fort Magruder (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.
Also see . . . Old marker near this location. This marker replaces an older W-43 marker named "Battle of Williamsburg" (Submitted on February 27, 2019.)
By Brandon D Cross
3. Battle of Williamsburg Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on February 6, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 27, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
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