Battle of Seven Pines Facts

May 31–June 1, 1862

Key Facts about the Battle of Seven Pines, also known as the Battle of Fair Oaks.

Joseph Johnston, Civil War General

General Robert E. Lee replaced General Joseph E. Johnston (pictured here) as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia after Johnston was wounded at the Battle of Seven Pines. [Wikimedia Commons]

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Also Known As

  • Battle of Fair Oaks

Date and Location

  • May 31 – June 1, 1862
  • Henrico County, Virginia

Campaign

Principal Union Commanders

Principal Confederate Commanders

Union Forces Engaged

  • Army of the Potomac

Confederate Forces Engaged

  • Army of Northern Virginia

Number of Union Soldiers Engaged

  • Roughly 34,000

Number of Confederate Soldiers Engaged

  • Roughly 39,000

Estimated Union Casualties

  • 5,031 (790 killed, 3,594 wounded, and 647 captured/missing)

Estimated Confederate Casualties

  • 6,134 (980 killed, 4,749 wounded, and 405 captured/missing)

Result

  • Inconclusive

Significance

  • General Robert E. Lee replaced General Joseph E. Johnston as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia after Johnston was wounded at the Battle of Seven Pines.
  • The Battle of Seven Pines was the largest battle fought in the eastern theater of the American Civil War up to that time.
  • The Battle of Seven Pines stalled the Union push to Richmond during the Peninsula Campaign.

Timeline of the Peninsula Campaign

These are the main battles and events of the Peninsula Campaign in order. The battles that occurred from June 25 to July 1, 1862, are collectively known as the Seven Days Battles.