Union Earth Works

Thousands of Union soldiers lived in these fortifications for eleven long days in 1864. The piles of freshly shoveled dirt sheltered the men from the scorching June sun while shielding them from enemy missiles. The lengthy halt at Cold Harbor allowed soldiers of both armies to further perfect the art of self-protection. Powerful defenses like these saved lives, made offensive operations undesirable to both army commanders, and contributed to the stalemate from June 3-12.<br><br> Tired Union infantrymen built these earthworks between June 1-3, 1864, while under Confederate fire, although the heavy woods here offered some safety. These fortifications are the most visible legacy of what happened here, but they also are the most fragile historic resource on the battlefield. Please admire them without damaging them.