The Battle of Yorktown formed part of the Peninsula Campaign, initiated by Union General George B. McClellan in early April 1862. This campaign aimed to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, by advancing from the north via the Virginia Peninsula. The importance of Yorktown lay in its strategic position, anchoring a series of defenses along the waterway that could assert control over the approaches to Richmond. On April 5, McClellan's forces commenced their operations against the Confederates positioned at Yorktown, led by General John B. Magruder, who had prepared extensive fortifications. As part of his strategy, McClellan opted for a siege approach, focusing on isolating and weakening the enemy through sustained artillery tactics rather than launching a full frontal assault immediately.

The battle escalated with Union artillery bombarding Confederate positions, prompting the defenders to strengthen their defenses. The Union soldiers faced not only the entrenched Confederate troops but also the complexity of the terrain, which hampered their movements and supply lines. The ensuing confrontation drew thousands of soldiers into one of the longer engagements of the Civil War. This encounter laid the groundwork for a pivotal confrontation as it signaled the growing scale and intensity of the conflict, showcasing the capabilities and strategies employed by both armies as they adapted to the realities of war in the 19th century.

Despite initial Union advantages, the determined defense by Magruder's forces delayed McClellan's advance toward Richmond, allowing the Confederacy to consolidate its strength in the region. The prolonged conflict at Yorktown would ultimately impact the Union's overall strategy and lead to critical developments in subsequent battles along the Virginia theater. The event became emblematic of the strategic challenges the Union faced in its goal to quell the rebellion and re-establish Federal authority over the South.