|
Other Name: |
Bethel Church, Great Bethel |
|
State: |
Virginia |
|
Location: |
York County and Hampton |
|
Campaign: |
Blockade of the Chesapeake Bay (May-June 1861) |
|
Dates: |
June 10, 1861 |
|
Principal Commanders: |
 Union States: Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Pierce
 Confederate States: Col. John B. Magruder and Col. D.H. Hill |
|
Forces Engaged: |
Union States: 3,500
Confederate States: 1,200
Total: 4,700 total |
|
Estimated Casualties: |
Union States: 79
Confederate States: 8
Total: 87 total |
|
Results: |
Result(s): Confederate victory |
| Description: |
This was the first land battle in Virginia. Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler sent converging columns from
Hampton and Newport News against advanced Confederate outposts at Little and Big Bethel. Confederates
abandoned Little Bethel and fell back to their entrenchments behind Brick Kiln Creek, near Big Bethel Church.
The Federals, under immediate command of Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Pierce, pursued, attacked frontally along the
road, and were repulsed. Crossing downstream, the 5th New York Zouaves attempted to turn the Confederate
left flank, but were repulsed. Unit commander Col. T. Wynthrop was killed. The Union forces were disorganized
and retired, returning to Hampton and Newport News. The Confederates suffered 1 killed, 7 wounded. |
|
List of Battles 
