5 gunboats14,000 4,200 Result Inconclusive | Date 9 May 1864 | |
 | ||
Similar American Civil War, Battle of Chester Station, Bermuda Hundred Campaign, Battle of Proctor's Creek, Battle of Ware Bottom C | ||
Battle of swift creek
The Battle of Swift Creek or Arrowfield Church was fought on May 9, 1864, between Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. Union forces were only partially successful: they inflicted damage on the local railroad, but further advance was halted.
Contents
- Battle of swift creek
- Battle of swift creek 2016 greater richmond sailing association
- Description
- References
Battle of swift creek 2016 greater richmond sailing association
Description
On May 9, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler made a thrust toward Petersburg and was met by Bushrod Johnson's Division at Swift Creek. A premature Confederate attack at Arrowfield Church was driven back with heavy losses, but Union forces did not follow up. After skirmishing, Butler seemed content to tear up the railroad tracks and did not press the defenders. In conjunction with the advance to Swift Creek, five Federal gunboats steamed up the Appomattox River to bombard Fort Clifton, while Edward W. Hincks's U.S. Colored Troops infantry division struggled through marshy ground from the land side. The gunboats were quickly driven off, and the infantry attack was abandoned.