Battle of Brook Church / Meadow Bridge

USA / Virginia / Chamberlayne /
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After the Battle of Yellow Tavern, Union general Philip Sheridan continued to push southward down the Brook Road towards Richmond. Upon encountering Confederate resistance, he flanked left along Azalea Ave and spread his forces along the road. Meanwhile, Confederate forces under James B. Gordon and Fitz Lee marched forward to oppose Sheridan south of Azalea Ave. Sheridan now found himself trapped between Confederate forces on the south and the Chickahominy River to the north.
On May 12th, 1864, battle commenced between the two forces. Sheridan's only escape was to cross the Meadow Bridge over the Chickahominy river to find safety in Hanover. However, the bridge had been destroyed earlier by Confederates. While holding the Confederates at bay, some of Sheridan's men along with captured Confederates demolished a house and used the materials to rebuild the bridge. Once completed, the Union army evacuated to safety. The Confederates did not give persuit.

During the battle, Confederate General James B. Gordon charged down Azalea Ave. in front of the Union lines and received a minnie ball through the shoulder. He died in a Richmond hospital six days later. He was the 4th of 8 Confederate/Union generals to be killed in Henrico County during the war.
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Coordinates:   37°36'13"N   77°26'1"W
This article was last modified 4 years ago