Sandston in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
McClellan's First Line
Photographed by Jeff Dawes
1. McClellan's First Line Marker
Union Brig. Gen. Silas Casey held both sides of the road here on 31 May 1862, in Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's first defensive line at Seven Pines. Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston ordered Maj. Gen. D.H. Hill to launch a morning attack, but lack of coordination resulted in delay. Hill, with three brigades about a mile west of here, was to advance once his fourth brigade joined him. Exasperated after waiting several hours. Hill assaulted on his own at 1 P.M. and smashed through Casey's position to McClellan's second line. A lack of support combined with the arrival of fresh Union troops halted the attack. Johnston fell wounded that evening, and Gen. Robert E. Lee replaced him the next day.
Erected 2024 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-5.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 31, 1862.
Location. 37° 31.405′ N, 77° 18.902′ W. Marker is in Sandston, Virginia, in Henrico County. It is on West Williamsburg Road (U.S. 60) west of J.B. Finley Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Piedmont, in Central Virginia, and in the Richmond Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Battlefield of Seven Pines (here, next to this marker); Sandston (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of the First Public Library in Henrico County (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Battlefield of Seven Pines (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Seven Pines (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battlefield of Seven Pines (approx. Ό mile away); a
Photographed by Jeff Dawes
2. McClellan's First Line Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. McClellans First Line (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Seven Pines (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location also titled "McClellans First Line".
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2025. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2025.
