[1] Fort Monroe was an important Union stronghold on the Virginia coast that became a place of refuge for escaped slaves once the war began.

[4] In May 1864, the 2nd Cavalry took part in General Benjamin Butler's Bermuda Hundred campaign on the south bank of the James River.

Union forces fought the Confederates at Drewry's Bluff and Fort Darling as they tried to capture strategic points between Richmond and Petersburg.

[2][5] The regiment fought battles at Deep Bottom in July,[1] New Market Heights in September,[6] and Fair Oaks & Darbytown Road in October.

As the American Civil War ended, the US was able to focus more attention on supporting Mexican President Benito Juárez's republican forces.