Near Mechanicsville in Hanover County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Cavalry Action at Cold Harbor
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 28, 2009
1. Cavalry action at Cold Harbor Marker
Inscription.
Cavalry Action at Cold Harbor. . On 31 May 1864, Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt’s Union cavalry brigade, operating under Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, advanced along this road and through these fields. Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee’s Confederate horsemen fought a fluid defensive battle, gradually withdrawing to a stronger position at the Cold Harbor crossroads just west of here. The Mantlo farmhouse on the north side of this road was here during the action. Later, before the Union army left Cold Harbor on 12-13 June, it erected a shortened defensive line of entrenchments, portions of which survive in the nearby woods.
On 31 May 1864, Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt’s Union cavalry brigade, operating under Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, advanced along this road and through these fields. Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee’s Confederate horsemen fought a fluid defensive battle, gradually withdrawing to a stronger position at the Cold Harbor crossroads just west of here. The Mantlo farmhouse on the north side of this road was here during the action. Later, before the Union army left Cold Harbor on 12-13 June, it erected a shortened defensive line of entrenchments, portions of which survive in the nearby woods.
Erected 2008 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number O-68.)
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 May 31, 1864.
Location. 37° 35.934′ N, 77° 15.679′ W. Marker is near Mechanicsville, Virginia, in Hanover County. Marker is at the intersection of Crown Hill Road and Tall Cedar Lane, on the right when traveling west on Crown Hill Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mechanicsville VA 23111, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cold Harbor Crossroads (approx. ¾ mile away); a different marker also named Cold Harbor Crossroads
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,153 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 2, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
