Battle of Bethel Church

 Share 

Battle of Bethel Church Big Bethel Began: June 10, 1861 Ended: Same day Location: Tabb and Hampton, Virginia Theater: Eastern Theater Campaign: Blockade of Chesapeake Bay Outcome: Confederate victory Combatants Department of Virginia Hampton Division Commanders Ebenezer W. Pierce Brigadier General, USA John B. Magruder Colonel, CSA Daniel H. Hill Colonel, CSA Strength 3,500 1,200 Casualties 76 Killed: 18 Wounded: 53 Missing: 5 10 Killed: 1 Wounded: 9

The first land battle in Virginia, the Battle of Bethel Church or Big Bethel began when Union Major General Benjamin F. Butler sent converging columns from Hampton and Newport News against advanced Confederate outposts at Little and Big Bethel. Confederates abandoned Little Bethel and fell back to their entrenchments behind Brick Kiln Creek, near Big Bethel Church. The Federals, under immediate command of Brigadier General Ebenezer Pierce, pursued, attacked frontally along the road, and were repulsed. Crossing downstream, the 5th New York Zouaves attempted to turn the Confederate left flank, but were repulsed. Unit commander Colonel T. Wynthrop was killed. The Union forces were disorganized and retired, returning to Hampton and Newport News. The Confederates suffered 1 killed, 9 wounded.

Official Records

Union reports

• Butler's report, Battle of Bethel Church
• Pierce's report, Battle of Bethel Church
• Bendix's report, Battle of Bethel Church
• Townsend's report, Battle of Bethel Church
• Kilpatrick's report, Battle of Bethel Church

Confederate reports

• Magruder's report, Battle of Bethel Church
• D.H. Hill's report, Battle of Bethel Church
• Montague's report, Battle of Bethel Church
• Randolph's report, Battle of Bethel Church
• Stuart's report, Battle of Bethel Church
• Werth's report, Battle of Bethel Church