Peninsular Campaign

During the American Civil War, Union General George McClellan attempted to capture Richmond Virginia by landing his forces at Monroe Virginia and marching up the narrow strip of land between the James and York rivers towards Richmond.

Progress was slow, but Union forces did advance to within several miles of Richmond. After Lee's attacks in the Seven Day's Battles, McClellan ordered a move to a base on the James river further from Richmond. Lincoln later ordered the army to return to the Washington DC area to support General John Pope's army in the Second Bull Run campaign.