From June 19, 1864, Petersburg was effectively under siege by the Union army. This city was important because Richmond had been able to receive supplies from that city.
Spotsylvania and Coldharbour.
The Siege of Petersburg was important because it displayed the value of excellent fortifications. The Confederate entrenchments were able to prevent the Federals from capturing Petersburg and cutting Richmond off from the vital supplies it needed. When the siege was finally ended after nine months of Union operations to take the city, it signaled that the US Civil War was only days from its end.
The US Civil War siege of Petersburg was important in a number of ways: 1. Despite overwhelming odds, the North was unable to break through the elaborate fortification system devided by General Robert E. Lee and his generals; 2. The key to the capture of Petersburg would lead to the fall of Richmond as the supply route by rail and road ran from Petersburg to Richmond; 3. As with Petersburg, the fortifications of Richmond were designed perfectly; 4. One Union plan to break the siege on Petersburg was a tunnel under the fortifications. That failed; and 5. It took ten months but the siege was finally a success.
Union General Butler's failed offensive in Virginia added damaged public morale in the North. This was amplified by the fact that Grant's decision to place Petersburg under siege added to the problem. Militarily, a siege is considered a successful strategy as a result of an offensive victory in battle. Grant's heavy casualties and lack of success against Lee left the Union's public with no tangible evidence of success. Grant's reputation was damaged by his operations in Virginia that forced him into the siege of Petersburg.
In order to capture the Confederate capital city of Richmond, Grant wanted to cut the railway supply line that ran from Petersburg Virginia, north to Richmond. So far repeated Union attempts to take Richmond had failed. At least three or more Union tries at this goal were repulsed. Both Richmond & Petersburg we well fortified. Since attacking Petersburg seemed impossible with Confederate General Lee commanding the defence of both cities, Grant decided to lay siege to Petersburg in order to hope for a surrender. Almost 10 months passed before the siege succeeded. Because of the length of the siege, Lee had no choice but to withdraw from both Richmond & Petersburg. Grant cut the supply lines to Richmond. With Lee gone Grant;s forces were finally able to take Richmond. Lincoln, who had waited years to have this done, paid a visit to the captured city.
to get to the investment and siege of Petersburg Union Army of the Potomac had to cross the River James.
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The siege of Petersburg lasted from June 15, 1864 to April 3, 1865 at 4,28 AM, when the first Union units entered the fortified town.
The siege and Battle of Petersburg ended with the decisive victory of the Union, on April 3,1865
Answer Siege of Petersburg Siege of Richmond
Spotsylvania and Coldharbour.
Spotsylvania and Coldharbour.
Spotsylvania and Coldharbour.
Petersburg
Siege of Petersburg happened on 1864-06-09.
general pgt beauregard
By defending Petersburg throughout a nine-month siege.