Confederate Victory at Gainesville, Florida

August 17th, 1864

August 17th, 1864

Confederate Victory at Gainesville, Florida
How Long Ago?

160 years, 6 months, 26 days ago

Location

Gainesville, Florida, United States

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

American Civil War

People
  • Joseph Finegan
Links & References
Tags

Confederate Victory at Gainesville, Florida

Confederate forces defeated Union troops near Gainesville, Florida, showcasing their tactical superiority in a series of skirmishes during the summer of 1864. The battle was part of a broader effort to control the region and secure supply lines for the Confederate Army. The engagement saw skilled maneuvering by commanders and highlighted the ongoing struggle for dominance in the southeastern United States. The victory provided a much-needed boost to Confederate morale in the area.

Joseph Finegan led Confederate forces.

Union aimed to disrupt Confederate supply lines.

Confederates executed effective surprise attacks.

The battle boosted Confederate morale in Florida.

What Happened?

The Battle of Gainesville occurred during the American Civil War as Confederate forces sought to maintain control over Florida and its strategic locations. On August 17, 1864, Confederate forces, commanded by General Joseph Finegan, engaged Union troops who were moving in the region. The Union aimed to disrupt Confederate supply lines and gain a foothold in the state. Through effective tactical maneuvers and the aggressive push offered by Finegan’s troops, the Confederates succeeded in routing the Union forces. The battle included intense skirmishes that tested the resolve and preparedness of both sides.

Finegan’s leadership was pivotal, as he successfully coordinated his troops to take advantage of the Union's positioning. By conducting a surprise attack, the Confederates managed to force the Union troops to retreat rapidly, thereby reinforcing their control over northern Florida. This victory not only solidified Confederate presence but also served as a notable win in a period where morale was waning for Confederate armies elsewhere in the country. With growing pressure from Union offensives in other areas, victories like Gainesville were essential for sustaining the Confederate war effort.

The aftermath of the battle saw the Union forces reassess their strategy in Florida, as they realized that direct confrontations in the region could yield unfavorable results. The skirmish showcased the determination of Southern troops and provided a temporary respite for Confederate-held territories in Florida, allowing them to regroup and strengthen their defensive positions as the war dragged on in multiple theaters. This engagement significantly influenced military strategies and troop deployments in the region for the following months.

Why Does it Matter?

The Battle of Gainesville is interesting as it represents the continuing struggle for control in the southeastern theater of the Civil War. It illustrates how regional battles had broader implications on supply lines and troop morale. The ability of Confederate forces to secure victories in such skirmishes was vital to sustaining their efforts during a challenging phase of the war.

Discover More Historic Events from August 17th

Crime & Law

Deadly Wedding Bombing in Kabul

August 17th, 2019 5 years ago

A bomb detonated during a wedding ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in 63 fatalities and injuring 182 others. The attack occurred in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood, which is known for its Hazara Shia community. This incident highlighted the ongoing violence in Afghanistan amidst a fragile peace process with the Taliban. Attendees were celebrating when the explosion ruptured the festivities, causing mass panic and devastation.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Bombing at Erawan Shrine in Bangkok

August 17th, 2015 9 years ago

A bomb exploded near the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in at least 19 deaths and injuring over 123 people. The blast occurred in the bustling Ratchaprasong intersection, a popular tourist area known for its luxury hotels and shopping centers, drawing both locals and tourists alike. The bombing targeted a site considered sacred in Thai culture, raising concerns about safety and security in the country. Many victims were foreign tourists, showcasing the attack's broader implications on Thailand’s tourism industry.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Devastating Accident at Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam

August 17th, 2009 15 years ago

An accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam in Russia led to a catastrophic failure of the hydroelectric power station, resulting in the deaths of 75 workers. The incident caused significant disruption to the local power supply, plunging the area into darkness. Investigations revealed that the disaster was caused by equipment failure and inadequate safety measures. The event raised concerns about the safety standards of large hydroelectric projects in Russia.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Michael Phelps Wins Eight Gold Medals at Olympics

August 17th, 2008 16 years ago

American swimmer Michael Phelps achieved a monumental feat by winning eight gold medals in a single Olympic Games at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This unprecedented accomplishment showcased Phelps's remarkable talent in swimming, with wins in various events, including individual and team relays. His determination and rigorous training were pivotal in this journey, making him a celebrated figure in sports history. Competing against the world's best swimmers, Phelps’s performance captivated audiences and further elevated the profile of competitive swimming worldwide.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Mass Bombings Across Bangladesh by Terrorists

August 17th, 2005 19 years ago

On a single day, over 500 bombs were detonated across 300 locations in Bangladesh. The campaign affected 63 out of 64 districts, marking one of the most widespread attacks in the country. The orchestrators aimed to instill fear and draw attention to their radical agenda. The violence resulted in injuries and heightened security concerns nationwide as law enforcement scrambled to manage the chaos and prevent further attacks.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

First Forced Evacuation of Gaza Settlers Commences

August 17th, 2005 19 years ago

The Israeli government initiated the withdrawal of settlers from Gaza, marking the start of a significant policy change. The forced evacuation involved the removal of approximately 8,500 settlers from 21 communities in the region. This action was prompted by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to evacuate the settlements for security and political reasons. As soldiers began their operations, tensions rose between security forces and the settlers, leading to intense confrontations.

Continue Reading