Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Deep Bottom Landing
A Vital Link
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2007
1. Deep Bottom Landing Civil War Trails marker
After the Battle of Cold Harbor in June 1864, Grant and Lee shifted their armies to Petersburg; but Grant did not wish to abandon the Richmond front entirely. He had Gen. Benjamin Butler position a small force from his Army of the James here at Deep Bottom Landing to protect the pontoon bridge which allowed Union forces to move back and forth across the James River.
As part of an overall strategy to defeat Lee’s main army at Petersburg, Federal detachments launched attacks from here on July 25 and August 13, 1864. Stiff Confederate resistance foiled both efforts. On September 29, 1864, a third attempt, spearheaded by two brigades of United States Colored Troops (USCT), resulted in the capture of New Market Heights. The Army of the James continued to use the key river crossing at Deep Bottom until the end of the war.
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1864.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 24.433′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Deep Bottom Landing (within shouting distance of this marker); John Smith Explores the Chesapeake (within shouting distance of this marker); First Battle of Deep Bottom (approx. 0.9 miles away); Pleasants v. Pleasants (approx. 1.3 miles away); New Market Heights (approx. 1.3 miles away); New Market Road (approx. 1½ miles away); a different marker also named New Market Heights (approx. 1½ miles away); a different marker also named New Market Heights (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
More about this marker. The upper portion of the marker is dominated by a photo of "The pontoon bridge at Deep Bottom" which "linked Federal troops located north and south of the James River. It saw steady use between June 1864 and April 1865."
Three small maps detail the battles around Deep Bottom:
First Battle of Deep Bottom
July 28, 1864
Gen. Joseph Kershaw’s successful attack against Union cavalry
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2007
2. Deep Bottom Landing - A Vital Link
Marker with James River in the background.
Second Battle of Deep Bottom
August 16, 1864
A desperate Confederate counterattack led by Gen. Lee forced Gen. Birney’s command to abandon its position above Fussell’s mill pond and once again kept Federal troops contained at Deep Bottom.
Battle of New Market Heights
September 29, 1864
Early morning assaults by USCTs pierced the Confederate entrenchments above Deep Bottom. Union pursuit of the retreating Confederates continued several miles along the New Market Road before being stopped at Richmond’s outer defense line.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker which has different text.
Photographed By Mathew Brady, circa 1865
3. Pontoon bridge, Deep Bottom, James River, Va
U.S. National Archives [111-B-460]
Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 18, 2021
4. Fussell’s Mill Pond
Landmark on the Second Deep Bottom Battlefield.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2007, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 4,656 times since then and 70 times this year. Last updated on March 19, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2007, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on July 14, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on November 26, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
