Seven Days Battles - Malvern Hill
Posted by: 
archway
N 37° 24.884 W 077° 14.945
18S E 300964 N 4143255
This historical marker describes events that occurred during the Seven Days Battles in July, 1862.
Waymark Code: WM73R9
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 08/28/2009
Views: 10
The Battle of Malvern Hill was the final engagement of the Seven Days Battles. General Robert E. Lee planned an intricate attack on retreating Union forces which fell apart almost immediately. The Confederate divisions were hampered on their approach by muddy roads, thick woods, and poor scouts. The Union army, meanwhile, fortified their position on favorable ground at Malvern Hill. Once the Confederate line had formed, it was bombarded by accurate Union artillery fire that disabled the Confederate batteries. Lee sent in his infantry, but by nighfall, the Confederate army had made no progress and suffered heavy losses. The Union army retreated to the James River, bringing an end to the Peninsula Campaign.
Here from east to west, Berdan's sharpshooters of Morell's division were strung out in the afternoon of July 1, 1862. Their rapid and accurate fire harassed the Confederates as they emerged from the woods and charged up the hill.