Template:POTD/2016-06-14
Appearance
During the Battle of Seven Pines, part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War, Confederate troops under General Joseph E. Johnston attempted to overwhelm two Union corps. These corps, located south of the swollen Chickahominy River, appeared isolated as most bridges across the river were out. Upon hearing the sounds of battle, Union Maj. Gen. Edwin V. Sumner of II Corps ordered a division, under Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick, to cross the Grapevine Bridge. Though unstable in the raging river, the bridge held long enough for Sedgwick's men to successfully cross and help fight away the Confederate forces.Painting: William McIlvaine; restoration: Adam Cuerden