The Battle of Malvern Hill was the final confrontation in a series of engagements known as the Seven Days Battles, which took place along the Virginia Peninsula in late June and early July of 1862. This battle was part of Union Major General George B. McClellan's Peninsula Campaign aimed at capturing the Confederate capital of Richmond. Malvern Hill, located near the James River, provided a strategic advantage due to its elevation and accessibility for artillery deployment. As McClellan's forces fortified their position, General Robert E. Lee sought to capitalize on the Union's previous setbacks during the campaign.

On July 1, the Confederate Army, under Lee’s command, launched a series of assaults against the Union defenses. Despite their determination, the Confederate troops faced formidable resistance from McClellan's well-placed artillery and infantry units. The Union army inflicted heavy casualties on the attacking Confederate forces, resulting in a tactical victory for the North. However, it did not reverse the momentum of the campaign, as Lee was still able to advance towards Richmond in the following days.

The battle is particularly notable for its intense fighting and the high number of casualties. The Union forces reported approximately 3,000 casualties compared to around 5,500 for the Confederates. Though it appeared to be a victory for the Union, McClellan’s subsequent retreat from the peninsula undermined his strategy, allowing Lee to maintain control of Richmond.