In The Engagement, The 6th Maine Sustained The Most Casualties Of Any Union Unit
During the American Civil War, the Union Army employed the 6th Maine Infantry Regiment as an infantry regiment. On July 15, 1861, the 6th Maine Infantry was mustered in for a three-year service after being created in Portland, Maine. On August 15, 1864, the 6th Maine Infantry was mustered out of service. Transferred to the 7th Maine Infantry, veterans and recruits eventually merged to form the 1st Maine Veteran Infantry.
The soldiers of Maj. George Fuller's 6th Maine regiment waited after making their first engagement with the enemy as the Sixth Corps artillery hammered the Rebel earthworks. One soldier was killed and five others were injured during the initial advance, which involved only half of the unit. The remainder of Fuller's force advanced at dusk and formed a double skirmish line. The 5th Wisconsin was in close support as the troops of Maine advanced at double quick when the command was given. Confederate musketry "became heavier as the line approached the works, and the troops were struck with terrifying rapidity," according to Fuller. Unfazed, Fuller's men jumped over the Rebel works, sparking a bloody hand-to-hand brawl. According to Fuller, 350 prisoners, a stand of flags, and four pieces of artillery were left behind for the Maine troops when Early's "astonished and bewildered" men fled in disarray toward the adjacent river. At Rappahannock Station, the 6th Maine paid a heavy price for their bravery. The 6th Maine was home to 139 of the 419 Union casualties that day.
