Today in History: Battle of Cold Harbor

Plan of the Battle of Cold Harbor, June 3rd
Today in History–June 3–the Library of Congress features the second Battle of Cold Harbor, begun on this day in 1864. The bloody battle ensued when Union General Ulysses S. Grant encountered Confederate troops in Virginia as he made his way to Richmond. Approximately 7,000 Union troops perished and Confederate forces suffered around 1,500 casualties in the nine-day fight. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to both battles of Cold Harbor.

Battle of Cold Harbor maps

Battle of Cold Harbor image set

Battle of Cold Harbor texts

Battle of Cold Harbor newspaper coverage

Battle of Gaines Mill newspaper coverage (first battle of Cold Harbor)

Gaines Mill primary source set

More Civil War primary source collections & teaching resources