Near Chester in Chesterfield County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Confederate Reconnaissance Mission
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 15, 2009
1. Confederate Reconnaissance Mission Marker
Inscription.
Confederate Reconnaissance Mission. . On 2 June 1864, Confederate Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard sent Maj. Gen. Bushrod Johnson's troops toward nearby Federal pickets to reconnoiter their strength. The Confederate troops initially captured the northern portion of the Federal picket line, but by the afternoon Union troops had regained a part of their position. The death of Confederate regimental commander Col. O. M. Dantzler and the arrival of Federal reinforcements prevented the Confederates from taking the southern section of the line. Beauregard determined that it would not be prudent to send Brig. Gen. Matt Ransom's brigade to assist Gen. Robert E. Lee, for fear of losing the rail line. Late the next day Beauregard relented at the order of Lee.
On 2 June 1864, Confederate Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard sent Maj. Gen. Bushrod Johnson's troops toward nearby Federal pickets to reconnoiter their strength. The Confederate troops initially captured the northern portion of the Federal picket line, but by the afternoon Union troops had regained a part of their position. The death of Confederate regimental commander Col. O. M. Dantzler and the arrival of Federal reinforcements prevented the Confederates from taking the southern section of the line. Beauregard determined that it would not be prudent to send Brig. Gen. Matt Ransom's brigade to assist Gen. Robert E. Lee, for fear of losing the rail line. Late the next day Beauregard relented at the order of Lee.
Erected 2002 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number S-19.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 2, 1864.
Location. 37° 20.126′ N, 77° 24.468′ W. Marker is near Chester, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. Marker is on Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. 1) 0.2 miles north of Leighworth Boulevard, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chester VA 23831, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,055 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 17, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
