Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 19,
1960): This battle, on April 1, 1865, has been called the
Waterloo of the Confederacy. Union troops under Philip
Sheridan's command defeated the Confederates under General
George Pickett, who had been sent to protect the Southside
Railroad, Robert E. Lee's last supply line. The Union victory
broke the siege of Petersburg, and led to the fall of Richmond.
Lee consequently retreated westward from the Richmond-Petersburg
defenses, and eight days later surrendered at Appomatox.