ACW: Battle of Oak Grove - 'McClellan's Final Push'

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In the aftermath of the Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks from May 31st - June 1st, activity by the Union Army of the Potomac against the Confederate capital has settled down to a lull as Major General George B. McClellan begins entrenching his army corps in preparation for a massive siege against Richmond. During this time, the Confederate defenders are not idle. General Robert E. Lee, having taken command of General Joseph E. Johnston's forces on June 2nd after the latter's wounding at Seven Pines, has reorganized his various commands and divisions into a new force he has branded the "Army of Northern Virginia." He plans to use his divisions in a grand gamble to counter-attack McClellan's army and drive it away from Richmond. The planned start date for Lee's attack is Thursday, June 26th. However, much to Lee's surprise McClellan suddenly launches a probing attack against Richmond's outer defensive works around Oak Grove west of Seven Pines on Wednesday, June 25th, 1862. Although not planned in Lee's counter-offensive, the Battle of Oak Grove, also known as the Battle of French's Field or Battle of King's School House, marks the official start of the Seven Days Battles.

More videos on the Seven Days Battles:

Sources:

To the Gates of Richmond: The Peninsula Campaign by Stephen W. Sears

The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Civil War

Script Writer - J. Woody

Historical Consultant - Jesse G

Background sounds by Cajun1862

#americancivilwar #sevendaysbattles #peninsulacampaign

[gallantcavalier]

You know… I just rewatched the Civil War Journal Episode: McClellan’s Way… and I’ve come to realize that the more I learn about McClellan and his command style. The more I feel he was unsuited to the post of a field army commander.

[MatthewChenault]

The Battle of Oak Grove is only slightly south from the Seven Pines battlefield. Today, most of the land is taken up by Richmond International Airport; formerly known as Byrd Airfield. However, some of the defenses on the Confederate side for both engagements are still present just off of Airport drive and have been preserved. Additionally, the locations of Charles City Road, Williamsburg Road, and Nine Mile Road are still in their approximate location or still lie overtop their exact location, though Williamsburg Road has been widened to accommodate greater traffic.

[davidvonkettering]

So far in the Official Records I haven't seen any reports of this battle, so I greatly appreciate your presentation. This battle exemplifies Gen George Brinton McClellan's inability to effectively lead combat troops in large operations.
The claim to have not seen such carnage leading to victory is a strange thought from a man who was an official observer in the Crimean War.
He was quick to assign blame to Casey and, later McCall for failures that were attributable to his poor oversight and management. In fact, his withdrawal to Harrison's Landing made every victory a defeat, and every lost soldier a life sacrificed in vain.
I have made my small group of friends into firm detesters of "Little Mac" and that is the least I can do!
Thanks so much!
Love,
David

[davidw.]

McClellan was amazing at the logistical side of war and he loved the army. In this way, he was a good soldier. However, to be a great commander, one must be willing to order the death of the army he loves. McClellan was arrogant about his abilities and did not understand his best role.

[gregdiiamond]

Fun fact: Little Mac’s son George B McClellan JR., as Mayor of NYC, opened the city’s first subway in 1904.

[charlessaint]

General McClellan, "I didn't lose! I merely failed win!"

[cal]

The move to the peninsula was a great idea…. Beyond that, lol. McClellan fumbles the ball in slow mo for a time.

[liberalman]

That’s the most detail I have ever seen on the battle of Oak Grove. Well done 👍

[illinoismotionpicturestudi]

1:38-1:40

New users hopping onto the Warhawk discord voice channel



Great work as always Saris, excited for the seven days battle videos, as it’s always the series of battles I found the most confusing to understand. Seeing it visually will help out a lot.

[adrianoiafano]

Just would like to add I love your show you have some fans up here in Toronto Canada !! Keep up the great work.

[MartinT]

2:05-2:15 That's understandable, but victory still has to be won, no matter how uncharming it is.

[stacyvonn]

Arithmetic of Battle.... Well said....

[mahdiziyafati]

To fight monsters, you have to become a monster

[joshuafogleman]

Excited for future episodes. I check in often. Thank you

[Hillbilly]

The man was an excellent organizer, but bluster does not make one a field commander. He loved the Army, he just couldn't order it into death. That's the hook. You gotta love the Army, but sometimes you got to order the death of that you love. He couldn't do that. Cheers.

[Thisandthat]

You don't hear "move quickly" often in connection with McClellan. It's kind of likeable that he feels like that about battles but maybe his career choice was a wrong one.
But it's a interesting insight into why he was as "cautious" as he was.

[davemartin]

great episode learned a lot. I was very happy that Chris at Vlogging through history showed a video of yours. it went over very well

[kernelklustrrfukk]

Another superb video, Warhawk! Thank you greatly! . . .

[burrellbikes]

The soldiers thought those casualties were bad? Well…prepare to be awoken

[raylast]

I guess this can be considered a classic McClellan offensive.