Cold Harbor National Battlefield

Richmond Times-Dispatch Archives

Published: July 20, 2008

Check our photos of the sites along the Confederate positions and trenches. [2006]
Check our photos of the Union positions and trenches. [2006]
Check our photos of the sites along the battlefield trail. [2006]
Check our photos of the "killing fields" [2006]

Part of the 1864 Overland Campaign
At Cold Harbor, the Confederates blocked Union General Ulysses S. Grant's path to Richmond by building powerful entrenchments stretching six miles between Bethesda Church and the Chickahominy River. On June 1 and June 3, Union forces tested these defenses with massive, ill-conceived assaults. The June 3 fighting alone resulted in nearly 6,000 Federals being killed or wounded, most of them in one hour's time. During the two-week battle, the combined casualties for both armies were at least 16,000 men.

The well-perserved trenches along the 1.25 mile tour road are good examples of Civil War field fortifications. The actions at Cold Harbor changed the course of the war in the East from a war of maneuver to one of siege. Cold Harbor also influenced the strategy and tactics of well-selected, well-manned entrenchments -- supported by artillery -- were practically impregnable against frontal assaults.

A one-mile walking trail begins at the visitors center and there are additional spur trails to extend your walking experience. The trails are mostly tree-covered and wide, but natural. Stay on the trails to help maintain the integrity of the battlefield sites.

The Cold Harbor Battlefield is located four miles southeast of Mechanicsville on route 156. An electric battle map in the center depicts movements of the two armies from May 31 until June 12.
[Credit: www.nps.gov/rich/ and site brochures]

Info: Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center, 226-1981.
www.nps.gov/rich/