The Battle of Jerusalem Plank Road formed part of the ongoing Petersburg Campaign, during which the Union aimed to seize the strategic city of Petersburg, Virginia, which was critical for supplying the Confederate capital of Richmond. On June 21, 1864, Union forces under Major General Ambrose Burnside engaged Confederate troops defending the Jerusalem Plank Road, a vital supply route. The battle initiated as an effort to extend the Union lines further south and west of Petersburg, effectively cutting off resources to the Confederates and weakening their operational effectiveness.

As Union troops approached, they encountered fierce resistance from the Confederate forces commanded by General Robert E. Lee. The engagement was characterized by trench warfare, which had become prevalent in the Civil War. Soldiers on both sides faced horrific conditions, including extreme heat, poor supply lines, and the psychological toll of constant skirmishing. The initial assaults anticipated success, but the well-prepared Confederate defenders held their ground, resulting in a protracted battle with heavy casualties.

The fight at Jerusalem Plank Road established the context for further military maneuvers in the ongoing Petersburg Campaign. Control over this roadway was essential as it connected various supply routes crucial for the Confederate army. The battle revealed tactical lessons for both armies, illuminating the challenges of prolonged engagements. It served as a precursor to more extensive battles that would follow as the Union forces sought to encircle Petersburg. The initial clashes illustrated the significance of logistics and fortifications in Civil War battles, as each side evaluated its strategy and resources.