Battle of Williamsburg

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008

1. Battle of Williamsburg Marker

Inscription. To the east of the road here, centering at Fort Magruder, was fought the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862. The Union General McClellan was pursuing General Johnston’s retiring army, the rearguard of which was commanded by General Longstreet. Johnston ordered Longstreet to hold off McClellan’s attacking forces until the Confederate wagon trains, bogged down in mud, were out of danger. This mission was accomplished and Johnston continued his retirement.

Erected 1948 by Virginia Conservation Commission. (Marker Number W-43.)

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 month for this entry is May 1862.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 15.878′ N, 76° 40.76′ W. Marker was in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was at the intersection of Pocahontas Trail (U.S. 60) and 5th Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Pocahontas Trail. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named The Battle of Williamsburg (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Peninsula Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Quarterpath Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of Fort Magruder (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of Williamsburg (approx. half a mile away); Redoubt 2 (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Battle of Williamsburg (approx. half a mile away); Vineyard Tract (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Magruder’s Defenses (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. Marker inscription has been updated on a new marker nearby, with same W 43 marker number.

Regarding Battle of Williamsburg. The Battle of Williamsburg, fought on 5 May 1862, was the first major engagement of the Peninsula Campaign. Union Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, slowly advancing from Hampton Roads toward Richmond, encountered the rear guard of Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s

Marker in Williamsburg image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008

2. Marker in Williamsburg

This site saw some of the most intense fighting of the May 5, 1862 battle between Johnston's rearguard and McClellan's pursuing army. After the battle, which resulted in a stalemate, this area became known as the "Bloody Ravine."

westward-moving army near here. Confederates under Maj. Gen. James Longstreet delayed the Union advance in a fierce, daylong battle in a driving rain. Nearly 41,000 Federals and 32,000 Confederates were engaged, with about 4,000 casualties. The result was a draw, although both sides claimed victory. The next day, the Confederates continued marching toward Richmond and Union troops occupied Williamsburg.

Also see . . .
1. Battle of Williamsburg, 5 May 1862. (Submitted on August 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. The Battle of Williamsburg May 5, 1862. The American Civil War website. (Submitted on August 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Additional commentary.
1. George M. Biedermann
My 4th great grandfather, George Michael Biedermann, Co. F of the 98th Pennsylvania Volunteers was killed on May 5th at the Battle Of Williamsburg.
He was either a Corporal or Sergeant at the time of his death. His wife's Widow's Pension file refers to both ranks on different documents within the file.
He was a German immigrant living in Philadelphia Philadelphia with a wife and 5 children.

— Submitted May 30, 2011, by Dennis Cox of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,469 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on February 27, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.