The Battle of Big Bethel

The Battle of Big Bethel was fought on 10th June 1861, during the American Civil War. It took place on the Virginia Peninsula, near Newport News, and is considered one of the earliest major land engagements of the war.

Union forces, led by Major General Benjamin F. Butler, aimed to drive Confederate forces from the area and secure the Virginia Peninsula. Butler’s plan involved a night march followed by a dawn attack on the Confederate positions at Big Bethel and Little Bethel. However, the plan was overly complex and poorly executed, leading to confusion and friendly fire incidents among Union troops.

The Confederate forces, commanded by Colonel John B. Magruder, were well-prepared and entrenched in strong defensive positions. When the Union troops launched their attack, they were met with heavy resistance and suffered significant casualties. The battle lasted only a few hours, with the Union forces ultimately retreating in disarray.

The Battle of Big Bethel resulted in 18 Union soldiers killed, 53 wounded, and 5 missing, while the Confederates suffered 1 killed and 7 wounded. Although it was a Confederate victory, the battle had limited strategic impact. However, it did boost Confederate morale and provided valuable propaganda victories.

The engagement also highlighted the challenges of coordinating complex military operations and the importance of effective communication and leadership in battle. Despite the Union defeat, the battle set the stage for future engagements in the region and contributed to the ongoing conflict between the Union and the Confederacy.

Orders of Battle

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