Battle of Big Bethel - Definition

The Battle of Big Bethel, also known as the Battle of Bethel Church or Great Bethel took place on June 10, 1861 in York County and Hampton, Virginia as part of the blockade of Chesapeake Bay during the American Civil War.

This was the first land battle in Virginia. Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler based at Fort Monroe sent converging columns from Hampton and Newport News against advanced Confederate outposts at Little and Big Bethel. Confederates abandoned Little Bethel and fell back to their entrenchments behind Brick Kiln Creek, near Big Bethel Church. The Federals, under immediate command of Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Pierce, pursued, attacked frontally along the road, and were repulsed. Crossing downstream, the 5th New York Zouaves attempted to turn the Confederate left flank, but were repulsed. Unit commander Col. T. Wynthrop was killed. The Union forces were disorganized and retired, returning to Hampton and Newport News. The Confederates suffered 1 killed, 7 wounded.

Source

• CWSAC Battle Summaries, National Park Service (http://www2.cr.nps.gov/abpp/battles/bycampgn.htm)