Battle of Rice's Station Facts

April 6, 1865

Battle of Rice's Station facts, including dates, location, casualties, leaders, who won, and more interesting facts you might not know. This fact sheet provides a quick overview of the battle and is for kids doing research and students preparing for the AP U.S. History (APUSH) exam.

John Gibbon, Civil War General

Major General John Gibbon’s victory at the Battle of Rice’s Station impacted the Army of Northern Virginia’s retreat from Petersburg by diverting attention and possible Rebel reinforcements away from the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, which was raging just a few miles to the east. Image Source: Library of Congress.

Also Known As

  • Battle of Rice’s Depot

Date and Location

  • April 6, 1865
  • Prince Edward County, Virginia

Campaign

Principal Union Commanders

  • Major General John Gibbon

Principal Confederate Commanders

Union Forces Engaged

  • 24th Corps (Army of the James)

Confederate Forces Engaged

  • 1st and 3rd Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia

Number of Union Soldiers Engaged

  • Roughly 7,500

Number of Confederate Soldiers Engaged

  • Roughly 6,800

Estimated Union Casualties

  • 66 (killed, wounded, captured/missing)

Estimated Confederate Casualties

  • Unreported

Results of the Battle of Rice’s Station

The outcome of the Battle of Rice’s Station was a Union victory.

The Battle of Rice’s Station impacted the Army of Northern Virginia’s retreat from Petersburg by diverting attention and possible Rebel reinforcements away from the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, which was raging just a few miles to the east.

Timeline of the Battle of Rice’s Station

These are the main battles and events of the Appomattox Campaign in order.