Historical Events tagged with "confederate"

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

Columbia Burns During Confederate Retreat

February 17th, 1865 160 years ago

As Union forces advanced into Columbia, South Carolina, Confederate troops evacuated the city, leading to a series of devastating fires. The capital of South Carolina, an important stronghold for the Confederacy, experienced widespread destruction largely attributed to the chaos of the evacuation and possible intentional actions by retreating Confederate soldiers. This marked a significant moment in the final stages of the Civil War, showcasing both the desperation of Confederate forces and the increasing momentum of the Union army.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Victory at the Battle of Nashville

December 16th, 1864 160 years ago

The Battle of Nashville was a decisive conflict in December 1864 between the Union Army of the Cumberland, commanded by General George H. Thomas, and the Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by General John Bell Hood. The Union army successfully routed Hood’s forces, which marked a significant weakening of Confederate military strength in the Western Theater. Taking place in Nashville, Tennessee, this battle was crucial as it ended Hood’s campaign in the South and solidified Union control over the region, paving the way for the eventual conclusion of the war.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Confederate Missed Chance at Spring Hill

November 29th, 1864 160 years ago

The Confederate Army of Tennessee failed to decisively engage and crush the Union Army of the Ohio at the Battle of Spring Hill. This occurred during the Franklin–Nashville campaign, highlighting the mistakes of Confederate General John Bell Hood and resulting in a significant strategic setback for the South. The Union forces, under General John Schofield, successfully withdrew under the cover of darkness, preserving their army and resources for future engagements.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Confederate Bombardment of Union Supply Base

November 4th, 1864 160 years ago

Confederate forces attacked the Union supply base at Johnsonville, Tennessee, causing significant destruction to supplies and materiel. The operation aimed to disrupt Union logistics and was conducted under the command of General Nathan Bedford Forrest. The attack led to the loss of millions of dollars in critical supplies, impacting the Union Army's ability to sustain its operations in the region.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Confederate Bank Robbery in Vermont

October 19th, 1864 160 years ago

Confederate agents from Canada executed a bold bank heist in Saint Albans, Vermont, robbing three banks in a single day. Led by Captain Bennett H. Young, the group stole over $200,000 in cash and valuables, making their escape as U.S. Marshal Allan Pinkerton coordinated the pursuit. The raid aimed to disrupt Union finances and illustrate Southern resolve as the Civil War approached its final phases, showcasing the lengths to which Confederates would go to gather resources amidst dwindling support.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Cedar Creek Crushes Last Confederate Threat

October 19th, 1864 160 years ago

The Battle of Cedar Creek was a significant confrontation in the American Civil War, taking place in Virginia. On this day, Union forces led by General Philip Sheridan clashed with Confederate troops under General Jubal Early. After an initial surprise attack by Early's forces, Sheridan rallied his men, launching a decisive counterattack that turned the tide of the battle. By the end of the day, the Union secured a decisive victory, effectively ending the Confederate threat to Washington, D.C.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Garrison in Glasgow Surrenders

October 15th, 1864 160 years ago

On October 15, 1864, Confederate forces successfully captured the Union garrison at Glasgow, Missouri. The event unfolded when Confederate General Joseph O. Shelby led his troops in a surprise attack against the Union-held position. The garrison, defended by Union soldiers, was forced to surrender without significant resistance. This marked a strategic victory for Confederate forces in the region, emphasizing the ongoing military tensions between the Union and Confederacy in the western theater of the American Civil War.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Victory at the Battle of Cedar Creek

September 19th, 1864 160 years ago

Union troops under General Philip Sheridan achieved a decisive victory against Confederate forces led by General Jubal Early in the Shenandoah Valley. Engaging over 50,000 soldiers, the Battle of Cedar Creek became the largest confrontation in this strategically significant region. Sheridan’s forces executed a surprise attack that turned the tide of battle, bolstered Union morale, and secured vital supply lines. The Union victory marked a turning point in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of the Civil War.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Hood Initiates Franklin–Nashville Campaign

September 18th, 1864 160 years ago

John Bell Hood launched the Franklin–Nashville Campaign in September 1864, aiming to provoke Union General William Tecumseh Sherman into diverting forces from Georgia. Hood sought to regain territory in Tennessee and undermine Sherman's military strategy by threatening federal supply lines. The campaign represented the Confederate Army of Tennessee's desperate attempt to seize the initiative in a deteriorating situation following losses in previous battles.

Continue Reading