Surprisingly little has been written about this bloody two-day affair. Fought on the doorstep of the Confederate capital, it was the first major battle in the Eastern Theater since Bull Run/Manassas, leaving more than 11,000 casualties in its wake. Here is a well-illustrated and mapped readable tactical and leadership account based on a host of primary and archival sources, many of which have never been published.

Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan marched his Army of the Potomac up the Virginia Peninsula. Opposing McClellan at the head of the Virginia army was Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, whose injury on May 31 led to the appointment of Gen. Robert E. Lee to take his place—a decision that changed the course of the entire Civil War.

Victor Vignola joined us virtually on March 7th to discuss the battle’s far-reaching ramifications. Victor Vignola is a lifelong student of the Civil War and has written articles for publication in North and South Magazine and in other forums. He delivers historical programs, conducts tours, and regularly visits various Civil War sites. Vic’s career included executive-level labor and inter-agency relations for the Office of Mental Health in New York State. He lives with his family in Orange County, New York, home of the 124th New York “Orange Blossoms” Regiment.