Battle of Appomattox Station

Part of the American Civil War

Date	April 8, 1865 (1865-04-08)
Location	Appomattox County, Virginia
Result	Union victory

Belligerents

United States (Union)

CSA (Confederacy)

Commanders and leaders

George Armstrong Custer

Reuben Lindsay Walker

Units involved

3rd U.S. Cavalry division

Artillery corps, dismounted cavalry, armed artillerymen

Strength

4,000

3,000

Casualties and losses

5 to 32 killed; 40 to 86 wounded; 3 missing.

Unknown killed and wounded;
~1,000 captured

Coordinates: 37°21′12.5″N 78°49′38.3″W / 37.353472°N 78.827306°W / 37.353472; -78.827306

The Battle of Appomattox Station was fought between a Union Army (Army of the Potomac, Army of the James, Army of the Shenandoah) cavalry division under the command of Brigadier General (Brevet Major General) George Armstrong Custer and Confederate Army of Northern Virginia artillery units commanded by Brigadier General Lindsay Walker with support from some dismounted cavalrymen, artillerymen armed with muskets and some stragglers on April 8, 1865, at Appomattox Station, Virginia during the Appomattox Campaign of the American Civil War.

Following the withdrawal of General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia from their defenses at Petersburg, Virginia after the Battle of Five Forks, Third Battle of Petersburg and Battle of Sutherland's Station, the Union Army closely pursued the Confederates westward on parallel and trailing routes. The Confederates, short of rations and supplies, suffered numerous losses from desertion, straggling and battle, especially the Battle of Sailor's Creek on April 6, 1865. After the Battle of Cumberland Church on April 7, Lee's army made a third consecutive night march in an effort to stay ahead of the Union forces. Union cavalry under the command of Major General Philip H. Sheridan made a long ride of about 30 miles (48 km) on April 8, 1865 in order to capture Confederate supply trains at Appomattox Station and get ahead of the Confederates, cutting off their routes of retreat.

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