Crater

The Mine Virginia

American Civil War

July 30, 1864

After weeks of preparation, on July 30 the Federals exploded a mine in Burnside's IX Corps sector beneath Pegram's Salient, blowing a gap in the Confederate defenses of Petersburg. From this propitious beginning, everything deteriorated rapidly for the Union attackers. Unit after unit charged into and around the crater, where soldiers milled in confusion. The Confederates quickly recovered and launched several counterattacks led by Major General William Mahone. The break was sealed off, and the Federals were repulsed with severe casualties. Ferrarro's division of black soldiers was badly mauled. This may have been Grant's best chance to end the Siege of Petersburg. Instead, the soldiers settled in for another eight months of trench warfare. Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside was relieved of command for his role in the debacle.

Result(s): Confederate victory

Location: Petersburg

Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)

Date(s): July 30, 1864

Principal Commanders: Major General Ambrose E. Burnside [US]; General Robert E. Lee [CS]

Forces Engaged: IX Corps [US]; elements of the Army of Northern Virginia [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 5,300 total

Real smart- blow a big hole in the line, and then have the majority of the soldiers run DOWN into the pit. On top of that, one of the coordinating officers was drunk and stayed behind instead of leading his troops.

If Burnside was in total command for more than a few months, we would be two countries today.

Three miles from the battle site. Virginia is on the table for future vacations. I'll look you up and have a cigar.

Thanks Myash.