In March 1865, the Siege of Petersburg continued to test the endurance of both Union and Confederate forces. On the morning of March 25, Confederate troops, led by General George E. Pickett, executed a bold assault on Fort Stedman, believing they could secure a strategic advantage in the ongoing conflict. The fort was an essential part of the Union defensive perimeter, and capturing it would have weakened Union defenses and boosted Southern morale as the war neared its climax.

The attack began in the early hours when Confederate soldiers, utilizing surprise and determination, overran the Union pickets and breached the fort's defenses. For a short time, they were able to raise the Confederate flag over the fort, signaling a significant but fleeting victory. However, the Union forces, commanded by General John G. Parke, swiftly organized a counterattack. Using artillery and infantry reinforcements, the Union soldiers fought back vigorously against the Confederate incursion.

The Union's counteroffensive proved decisive, and by midday, they successfully retook Fort Stedman. The Confederate forces were forced to retreat under intense fire, suffering considerable casualties. This skirmish underscored the deteriorating situation for the Confederacy as they struggled to maintain their military strength in the face of Union advances. The battle at Fort Stedman foreshadowed the ultimate collapse of Confederate defenses in the Petersburg area and contributed to the eventual outcome of the American Civil War.