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Second Deep Bottom (Fussell's Mill)

Two Core Battlefield Sites Saved: Over the last two decades, the Richmond Battlefields Association has secured significant core acreage of the Second Deep Bottom Battlefield across seven strategic transactions. These properties protect a diverse landscape of historical assets, including the millpond with its corresponding mill site, a wartime house, the Oblique Ravine, original earthworks, and a historic road trace.

The Fighting at Fussell's Mill: Our 35-acre Fussell's Mill site was central to the initial Union assault against the thinly manned Bailey's Creek line on August 14, 1864. This strategic ground served as a pivot point for Federal movements as they attempted to outflank the Confederate defenses guarding the approaches to Richmond.

Combat on the Darbytown Road: Our 25-acre Darbytown Road site witnessed vicious combat on August 16th, as the Union army renewed its attack in a desperate bid to open the road to the Confederate capital. Despite the 4,600 casualties incurred over several days of fighting, Second Deep Bottom remains one of the lesser-known battles in the Richmond area.

A Mission of Necessity: Because this battlefield lies outside the purview of the National Park Service, the responsibility for its survival falls entirely to private organizations. Without the intervention of the RBA and its supporters, this hallowed ground would be lost to development forever.

“Across the past two decades the RBA has distinguished itself by initiating and leading the preservation charge at the Fussell's Mill battlefield. Not so long ago there was not even one preserved acre there; now, through patience and determination, the majority of the undeveloped parcels have been protected forever through a series of transactions both large and small. The sum of the many parts is both impressive and gratifying. It is no small accomplishment."
- R.E.L. Krick, Historian (retired), Richmond National Battlefield Park

Grant's Two-Front Strategy

Throughout the summer of 1864, Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant employed a strategy of simultaneous operations on both sides of the James River in an attempt to break the stalemate at Petersburg. By forcing the Confederates to defend two fronts at oncde, Grant aimed to stretch Lee's thin lines to the breaking point. In mid-August, Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock was tasked with threatening Richmond from the north, while Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren's command moved against the Weldon Railroad south of Petersburg. On the night of August 13, the Union Second and Tenth Corps, along with Gregg's cavalry division, crossed the James River at Deep Bottom.

August 14, 1864 - Bailey's Creek Line

Army of the Potomac II Corps: Oppresive heat stifled the Union advance, allowing the Confederates crucial time to reinforce the Fussell's Mill area with Brig. Gen. George T. Anderson's Georgia brigade. Hancock had intended for Brig. Gen. Francis C. Barlow’s divisions to lead the primary assault, but Barlow extended his 10,000-man force too far north into dense woods. This resulted in only a single brigade actually attacking Fussell's Mill. While the Federals managed to drive off two Confederate cavalry regiments from Brig. Gen. Martin W. Gary’s command, Anderson’s infantry successfully repulsed the disorganized Union effort.

August 16, 1864 - Attack & Counterattack

Army of the James X Corps: The campaign’s heaviest fighting erupted on August 16. A bold frontal assault by Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry’s division shattered the Southerners' line. During the chaos, newly promoted Gen. Victor J.B. Girardey was killed while attempting to rally his broken Georgia brigade.

Confederate reinforcements, emboldened by the arrival of Robert E. Lee, rushed to meet the crisis. The counterattack surged to the edge of a Dry Ravine (see sketch below), where Col. William C. Oates—leading two Alabama regiments—was severely wounded, ultimately losing an arm. The Rebels eventually fought their way across the ravine and reclaimed their captured works. Following this desperate struggle, heavy skirmishing continued for the rest of the day.

On August 20, after four days of relative inactivity, the Federals withdrew across the James while maintaining a bridgehead at Deep Bottom. The operation cost the Union 2,900 casualties, while Confederate losses approached 1,500.

Though the tactical move against Richmond failed, the strategic objective was achieved: the action drew substantial Confederate forces away from Petersburg. Grant seized this opening during the Battle of Globe Tavern (Aug 18–21), successfully capturing the Weldon Railroad, depriving Lee of a yet another vital supply line.

Above: Led by historian Mike Andrus, RBA members skirt the millpond at Fussell's Mill while touring the battlefield they helped preserve (June 2009).

The miller's house at Fussell's Mill.

War time Fussell's Mill gave the battle its name.

Historian Robert K. Krick delivers a talk on the role of the Alabama troops engaged at Fussell's Mill.

At RBA's annual meeting, board member Sam Craghead displays artifacts from the Museum of the Confederacy's collection (June 2009).

The 48th Alabama Regiment monument at the "dry ravine" site preserved by RBA. Here Col. William C. Oates lost an arm while leading a desperate counterattack.

Board member Mike Andrus guides RBA tour of our Darbytown Road site on the Fussell's Mill Battlefield.

Historian Jimmy Price relates the role of USCT troops at Second Deep Bottom (October 2015).

Board member Mike Andrus guides annual tour along the earthworks preserved by RBA on the Second Deep Bottom Battlefield (Nov 2018).