Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Fatal Error
— Petersburg National Battlefield —
For weeks the black troops had rehearsed their role as spearhead of the assault. But late on July 29, fearing public outcry should the African-American troops suffer heavy casualties, Meade ordered Burnside to pick another, all-white division to lead the attack. The unprepared white troops—and the attack—faltered.
The last-minute decision did not spare the black troops the horror of the day. The division joined the battle at 8 a.m., when the fighting had degenerated into a brutal, confused brawl. More than 200 black troops died. Another 400 were missing—many of them dead too. No Union division in the battle suffered more.
(sidebar) Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside (left) advocated using African-American troops to lead the assault. When overruled, he let his division commanders draw straws for the assignment. By this method, Burnside’s weakest division commander, James Ledlie, was chosen.
(caption) African-American troops at drill under the gaze of their white officers. Every black regiment was commanded by white commissioned officers.
Petersburg Time Line
9 months and 18 days
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 29, 1864.
Location. 37° 13.104′ N, 77° 22.305′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. Marker is on Siege Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Petersburg National Battlefield on the Auto Tour Road at Tour Stop 7. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Prelude to the Crater (here, next to this marker); Waiting Their Turn (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Struggle Across Poor Creek (approx. 0.2 miles away); Digging the Mine (approx. ¼ mile away); Ventilation Shaft (approx. ¼ mile away); Joshua L. Chamberlain Promoted “On The Spot” (approx. 0.3 miles away); “A Stupendous Failure” (approx. 0.3 miles away); Confederate Counterattack (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.
Also see . . .
1. Petersburg National Battlefield. National Park Service. (Submitted on April 12, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. The Battle of the Crater: July 30, 1864. The Siege of Petersburg Online (Submitted on April 12, 2008.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,289 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on August 21, 2023, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.