Historical Events tagged with "1864"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Massacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho at Sand Creek

November 29th, 1864 160 years ago

Colonel John Chivington led Colorado volunteers in an attack that resulted in the massacre of at least 150 Cheyenne and Arapaho noncombatants at Sand Creek. The assault targeted a peaceful settlement, primarily consisting of women, children, and the elderly, who had been assured they would be safe under U.S. protection. This attack escalated tensions between Native Americans and settlers in the Colorado Territory.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Rout at Bull's Gap by Breckinridge

November 13th, 1864 160 years ago

The Battle of Bull's Gap culminated in a decisive victory for Confederate forces under Major General John C. Breckinridge. The Union troops, faced with significant pressure, were forced to retreat, resulting in a chaotic retreat towards Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. This three-day confrontation took place in the context of larger military movements during the American Civil War, highlighting the ongoing struggle for control in the region. Breckinridge's pursuit exemplified the tactical advantages he was able to leverage over Union forces.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Nevada Joins the United States as 36th State

October 31st, 1864 160 years ago

Nevada was officially admitted as the 36th state of the United States following rapid growth due to the silver mining boom in the region. The state capital, Carson City, became a focal point for governance. The admission was also strategically timed to bolster support for President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, as Nevada's electoral votes were critical for his re-election campaign. The unique circumstances surrounding Nevada's statehood highlighted the significance of resource-rich territories in the expanding United States.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Denmark Admits Loss in Treaty of Vienna

October 30th, 1864 160 years ago

The Treaty of Vienna was signed, marking a significant shift in power after the Second War of Schleswig. Denmark formally relinquished the provinces of Schleswig and Holstein. This agreement arose from the conflict involving Denmark, Prussia, and Austria, which had aimed to consolidate control over the duchies. The peace negotiations led to the recognition of shifting borders in Northern Europe and greater ambitions for Prussia and Austria.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Victory at the Battle of Westport

October 23rd, 1864 160 years ago

The Battle of Westport was a major confrontation during the American Civil War, which took place in October 1864 in the vicinity of Kansas City, Missouri. The Union forces, commanded by Major General Samuel R. Curtis, faced off against Confederate General Sterling Price's army. This battle marked the last significant engagement west of the Mississippi River, culminating in a decisive Union victory. The Union's success effectively ended Confederate attempts to gain control in the region, solidifying their dominance in the western theater of the war.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Forces Engage at Chaffin's Farm

September 29th, 1864 160 years ago

Union forces launched an assault on Confederate positions at Chaffin’s Farm, located north of Richmond, Virginia, during the American Civil War. This confrontation stemmed from the broader context of the Union’s strategy to capture Richmond, the Confederate capital. The Union troops faced strong resistance from well-entrenched Confederate defenders, leading to significant casualties on both sides. Notably, the battle marked the first significant involvement of African American troops in attacks against entrenched positions, highlighting their crucial role in the Union Army. Despite the fierce fighting, the Union was unable to secure a decisive victory at this location.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Ikedaya Incident Highlights Choshu Han Attack

July 8th, 1864 160 years ago

Choshu Han shishi attempted sabotage in Kyoto at Ikedaya. This plot aimed to set fire to Kyoto and assassinate prominent leaders such as Kido Takayoshi. The Shinsengumi, a samurai police force, thwarted the plan. A fierce battle ensued between both sides, leading to a significant confrontation reflecting the tensions of the time.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Second Battle of Petersburg Commences

June 15th, 1864 160 years ago

The Second Battle of Petersburg began as Union forces, under General Ulysses S. Grant, attempted to capture the strategic rail hub of Petersburg, Virginia. With the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia led by General Robert E. Lee defending the city, intense fighting erupted on June 15, 1864. This battle marked a significant phase in the Petersburg Campaign, which aimed to cut off supply lines to the Confederacy and secure a pathway to Richmond. The engagement featured extensive trench warfare, a precursor to modern warfare tactics that would be more prominent in future battles.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Withdrawal at Cold Harbor

June 12th, 1864 160 years ago

Ulysses S. Grant strategically pulled Union troops from Cold Harbor, Virginia, allowing Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee to claim a victory in a pivotal engagement during the Overland Campaign. This maneuver followed intense fighting and high Union casualties, prompting a shift in tactics. The decision reflected Grant's ongoing struggle to find pathways for victory in the Civil War, emphasizing the brutal costs of warfare.

Continue Reading