In early May, the Battle of the Wilderness unfolded in Virginia, marking one of the initial engagements of Ulysses S. Grant’s 1864 Overland Campaign against the Confederate Army led by Robert E. Lee. The dense woods and underbrush created chaotic conditions, leading to fierce and disorienting fighting. Over two days, both armies suffered significant casualties, with Union forces experiencing some of the heaviest losses of the war, yet Grant maintained his pressure on Lee. Rather than retreating or seeking a defensive position, Grant chose to continue pursuing the Confederate forces, signaling a pivotal shift in Union military strategy. On May 7, he directed his troops southward, aiming to reposition them for a more advantageous confrontation.

This movement to Spotsylvania Court House was part of Grant's overarching strategy to engage Lee's army continuously, thereby preventing him from regrouping or entrenching his forces. As the Army of the Potomac moved away from the Wilderness, they encountered logistical challenges and the constant threat of ambushes from Confederate units, yet Grant's leadership was pivotal in keeping the Union forces focused and resilient. This engagement demonstrated Grant's willingness to incur risks, a hallmark of his military philosophy that prize aggression over retreat.

The subsequent march led to some of the largest and bloodiest battles of the war, notably the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, another violent encounter that reflected the exhausting nature of the Overland Campaign. Grant’s ability to maintain upward pressure on Lee marked a significant change in the Union's approach to warfare, fostering an environment where the initiative consistently remained with the Union Army despite the staggering costs of human life involved. The move served to establish the pattern for Grant’s relentless strategy, leading to further engagements that would ultimately alter the trajectory of the Civil War.