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

Second Battle Of Reams Station

Striking the Confederate Supply Line

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 19, 2024

1. Second Battle Of Reams Station Marker

Inscription. "In the battle of Ream's (sic) Station our corps was desperately engaged against superior forces of the enemy..."
—Gen. Nelson Miles, USA

The Petersburg (Weldon) Railroad brought much needed supplies to Petersburg and Richmond from the south, including via the Confederacy's only functioning Atlantic port at Wilmington, North Carolina. In August, 1864, Union forces established a toehold on the railroad after fierce fighting a few miles north of here at Globe Tavern. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant wanted to follow up his success at Globe Tavern and dispatched Gen. Winfield S. Hancock with a combined infantry and cavalry force to complete the mission.

On August 25, Confederate cavalry commanded by Gen. Wade Hampton countered the Union advance and railroad destruction, while Gen. A.P. Hill maneuvered Confederate infantry into position. The conflict became known as the Second Battle of Reams Station. Fighting intensified as Federals dug trenches, placed artillery, and repulsed two Confederate charges. A third Confederate assault, however, splintered the Union position, forcing Hancock's men to retreat. Total casualties for both sides numbered approximately 3,561 killed, wounded, or missing. The Confederates captured nine cannons, 12 flags, and 2,046 prisoners.

(captions)
Gen. Winfield

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

S. Hancock was shocked to find his veteran troops fleeing the fight at Reams Station. He rode among them, shouting, "Come on! We can beat them yet" and "Men, will you leave me?"

Gen. A.P. Hill's Confederate infantry attacked through this field to strike the Union position farther to your right. All images courtesy of the Library of Congress

Erected by American Battlefield Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is August 25, 1864.

Location. 37° 5.656′ N, 77° 25.389′ W. Marker is near Petersburg, Virginia, in Dinwiddie County. Marker can be reached from Reams Drive (Virginia Route 606) 0.1 miles west of Halifax Road (Virginia Route 604), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23805, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. North Carolina (within shouting distance of this marker); Fighting At Reams Station (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Second Battle Of Reams Station (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Second Battle Of Reams Station (about 700 feet away); Ream's Station

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 19, 2024

2. Second Battle Of Reams Station Marker

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Second Battle of Reams Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Reams Station (approx. 4.1 miles away); The Petersburg Railroad (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Also see . . . Reams Station Battlefield. American Battlefield Trust (ABT) (Submitted on March 19, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2024, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 30 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 19, 2024, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.