The Petersburg Campaign

The wide-ranging and largely misunderstood series of operations around Petersburg, Virginia, were the longest and most extensive of the entire Civil War. The fighting that began in early June 1864, when advance elements from the Union Army of the Potomac crossed the James River and botched a series of attacks against a thinly defended city, would not end for nine long months.

Although commonly referred to as the“Siege of Petersburg,” that city (as well as the Confederate capital at Richmond) was never fully isolated and the combat involved much more than static trench warfare. In fact, much of the wide-ranging fighting involved large-scale Union offensives designed to cut important roads and the five rail lines feeding Petersburg and Richmond.

This invaluable book comes complete with original maps by Civil War cartographer Steven Stanley, together with photos and illustrations.

About the Authors

Edwin C. Bearss is a world-renowned military historian, author, and tour guide known for his work on the American Civil War and World War II. He discovered and helped raise the Union warship USS Cairo, which is on display at Vicksburg National Military Park.

Bryce A. Suderow is a Civil War writer and researcher living in Washington, D.C. He has published many articles in a number of Civil War periodicals and is recognised as one of the finest archival researchers working today.