Near Mechanicsville in Hanover County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
We Have Broken Through
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009
1. We Have Broken Through Marker
This ravine played a critical role in the early stages fighting at Cold Harbor. On the afternoon of June 1, 1864, Thomas L. Clingman’s North Carolinians and William T. Wofford’s Georgians, attempting to hold this position, failed to occupy the low swampy ground in the ravine.Union soldiers of the Sixth Corps took advantage of this weakness by attacking along the drainage and piercing the Confederate defenses. Southern reserves quickly rushed forward and drove back the attackers, sealing the break in the line. A new line was then built a short distance to the west.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1862.
Location. 37° 35.331′ N, 77° 17.017′ W. Marker is near Mechanicsville, Virginia, in Hanover County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Anderson-Wright Drive and Cold Harbor Road (Virginia Route 156). This marker is located along the walking trail in the Cold Harbor Battlefield Unit of the Richmond National Battlefield Park.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Captured Trench (a few steps from this marker); Keep Digging (within shouting distance of this marker); Keep Your Head Down (within shouting distance of this marker); Stand Guard And Stay Awake (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Cold Harbor (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Deadly Delay (about 400 feet away); 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery (about 500 feet away); A Bloody Baptism of Fire (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mechanicsville.
More about this marker. On the lower half is a map of the attack, Afternoon June 1, 1864
Also see . . .
1. Richmond National Battlefield Park. Cold Harbor (Submitted on March 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
2. CWSAC Battle Summary. Cold Harbor (Submitted on March 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Photographed By Noah Andre Trudeau, March 9, 2009
2. Map showing the avenue of attack through the ravine.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009
3. Cold Harbor Walking Trail
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009
4. The attack was from right to left in this ravine.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009
5. Cold Harbor Battlefield
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,024 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
