Today in History:

Fair Oaks and Darbytown Road

Battle Name: Fair Oaks and Darbytown Road
Other Names: Second Fair Oaks
State: Virginia
Location: Henrico County
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Dates: October 27-28, 1864
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet [CS]
Forces Engaged: Corps
Estimated Casualties: 1,750 total
Description: In combination with movements against the Boydton Plank Road at Petersburg, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler attacked the Richmond defenses along Darbytown Road with the X Corps. The XVIII Corps marched north to Fair Oaks where it was soundly repulsed by Field's Confederate division. Confederate forces counterattacked, taking some 600 prisoners. The Richmond defenses remained intact. Of Grant’s offensives north of the James River, this was repulsed most easily.
Results: Confederate victory

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