If you where at this spot in 1862 you would have witnessed the Battle of Seven Pines, and Savage Station...
The Battle of Seven Pines began late on May 31, 1862. The Confederates succeeded in driving Keyes’ IV Corps and inflicting heavy casualties on the Union forces. Timely reinforcements arrived from Heintzelman's corps to support Keyes and hold the Union left.
A mile north of Seven Pines, the Confederate division under Gen. William C. Whiting attacked the Federal right flank near Fair Oaks Station on the Richmond & York Railroad. The Union line stabilized when Gen. Edwin Sumner’s II Corps reinforcements crossed the Chickahominy over Grapevine Bridge. Johnston fell wounded and command of the Confederate army devolved to Gen. Gustavus W. Smith.
Early on June 1, the Confederates renewed their assaults against the Federals, who had brought up more reinforcements. Two Confederate brigades attacked Gen. Israel Richardson’s II Corps division posted along the railroad. While fighting there, a Confederate minie ball shattered Gen. Oliver O. Howard’s right arm; the arm was amputated, and Howard was out of action for several months. Gen. Joseph Hooker’s III Corps division attacked as the Confederates withdrew, ending the two days of fighting.
Savage Station,
BATTLE OF SAVAGE STATION
Early on the 29th Longstreet and A. P. Hill were ordered to recross the Chickahominy at New Bridge, and move by the Darbytown to the Long Bridge Road. Maj. R. K. Meade and Lieut. S. R. Johnston, the Engineers, attached to General Longstreet's division, who had been sent to reconnoiter, found, about sunrise, the work on the upper extremity of the enemy's line of intrenchments abandoned.
Generals Huger and Magruder were immediately ordered in pursuit, the former by the Charles City road, so as to take the Federal Army in flank, and the latter by the Williamsburg road, to attack its rear. Jackson was directed to cross at Grapevine Bridge and move down the south side of the Chickahominy. Magruder and Huger found the whole line of works deserted and large quantities of military stores of every description abandoned or destroyed.
The former reached the vicinity of Savage Station about noon, where he came upon the rear guard of the retreating army. Being informed that the enemy was advancing, he halted and sent for re-enforcements. Two brigades of Huger's division were ordered to his support, but subsequently withdrawn, it being apparent that the force in Magruder's front was covering the retreat of the main body. Jackson's route led to the flank and rear of Savage Station, but he was delayed by the necessity of reconstructing Grapevine Bridge.
Late in the afternoon Magruder attacked the enemy with one of his divisions and two regiments of another. A severe action ensued and continued about two hours, when it was terminated by night.
The troops displayed great, gallantry and inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy; but, owing to the lateness of the hour and the small force employed, the result was not decisive, and the enemy continued his retreat under cover of darkness, leaving several hundred prisoners, with his dead and wounded, in our hands.
At Savage Station were found about 2,500 men in hospital and a large amount of property. Stores of much value had been destroyed, including the necessary medical supplies for the sick and wounded. But the time gained enabled the retreating column to cross White Oak Swamp without interruption and destroy the bridge.
7 days Battles, might have seen Gen. Lee/Jackson/Longstreet. Union Army pulling back to James River.
Best way to get there is from shed near playground, semi path>>>