In late July 1863, the Union army made several advances towards Weldon, intent on destroying the railroad bridge over the Roanoke River. Confederate reinforcements rushed from Petersburg, Virginia, to counter the threat. On July 26, 1863, Union forces crossed Potecasi Creek, quickly pushing aside the Confederate defenses posted to stop them. Two days later, a portion of the Union troops clashed with Confederate forces commanded by Brig. Gen. Matt W. Ransom at Boon’s Mill.