Speaker: John Corstein, Director Emeritus, USS Monitor Center
Location: Mariner's Museum in Park
Topic: Battle of New Market Heights during the Civil War
Context: Part of the larger Battle of Chaffin's Bluff
Date: September 29 - October 1, with a focus on September 29
Context & Background
The battle is part of Ulysses S. Grant's spring offensive strategy to capture Richmond by cutting Confederate rail lines.
Key Military Leader: Benjamin Franklin Butler, known for political prowess but criticized for military competence.
Army involved: Army of the James, with a significant contingent of United States Colored Troops (USCT).
Prelude to Battle
Butler's army, including USCT, positioned at Bermuda Hundred.
The plan was to disrupt Confederate rail lines, but initial attempts failed.
Battle of New Market Heights
Date: September 29, 1864
Forces Involved: USCT led by Duncan's Brigade, notably the 4th and 6th USCT.
Confederate Defenses: Strong, included artillery and earthworks.
Battle Strategy: Butler ordered a bayonet charge without firing musket caps to maintain momentum and surprise.
Key Events
5 AM: Skirmishers from the 22nd USCT engaged Confederate forces.
The battle involved crossing a marshy terrain and overcoming Confederate defenses with significant obstacles.
USCT Performance: Demonstrated bravery despite high casualties and difficult attack conditions.
Bayonet Charge: Emphasized by Butler as a necessary rush to overcome defenses.
Outcome and Recognition
The battle resulted in heavy casualties but was considered a strategic success for the Union.
Medal of Honor Awards: 14 African American soldiers from the battle were awarded the Medal of Honor.
Butler Medal: Created by Butler to honor the conspicuous bravery of many soldiers not recognized by the Medal of Honor.
Aftermath and Legacy
The battle contributed to changing perceptions of African American soldiers' capabilities.
Significant media coverage praised the bravery and effectiveness of the USCT.
The battle demonstrated the critical role of African American troops in the Civil War.
Notable Figures
Christian Fleetwood: A Medal of Honor recipient and notable figure for his leadership and bravery.
Milton Holland and other Medal of Honor recipients: Recognized for their courage and contributions to the battle.
Benjamin Butler: Mixed military record but credited with effectively utilizing USCT at New Market Heights.
Questions and Discussion
Butler's Success: Factors contributing to Butler's success at New Market Heights compared to other campaigns.
Recognition of Soldiers: Discussion on the posthumous and retroactive recognition of Medal of Honor recipients.
Civil War Medal of Honor Trends: Examination of other battles with significant Medal of Honor awards.
Conclusion
The Battle of New Market Heights stands as a critical moment in demonstrating the valor and effectiveness of African American troops during the Civil War.
The battle's legacy continues to influence military and historical understanding of the Civil War and the role of African American soldiers.
Additional Information
Future lectures and programs about Civil War history and related topics are available through the Mariner's Museum.
Contact information for further questions and engagement with the museum's programs.