Historical Events tagged with "military"

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

Pickett's Charge: Last Assault at Gettysburg

July 3rd, 1863 162 years ago

Pickett's Charge was the climactic assault on the last day of the Battle of Gettysburg, involving approximately 12,500 Confederate soldiers led by General George Pickett. This bold offensive aimed to breach the center of the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge but ultimately resulted in heavy Confederate casualties. As they advanced across open fields under intense artillery and rifle fire, many troops were unable to reach their objective. The failure of this charge marked a turning point in the American Civil War, as it shifted the momentum in favor of the Union forces.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Skirmish at Aldie during Gettysburg Campaign

June 17th, 1863 162 years ago

The Battle of Aldie was a significant skirmish in the Gettysburg Campaign, fought between Union and Confederate forces in Virginia. It involved cavalry units commanded by Union Brigadier General Alfred Pleasonton and Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart. This encounter marked an important phase of the campaign leading up to the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, highlighting the significance of cavalry operations in the larger conflict. The confrontation showcased the tactical challenges faced by both sides amidst the evolving military strategies of the war.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Second Assault on Confederate Works at Port Hudson

June 14th, 1863 162 years ago

Union forces, commanded by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, launched their second assault on the Confederate defenses at Port Hudson, Louisiana. This attack was aimed at breaking the siege laid by the Union army since May 1863. The Union troops encountered strong resistance from Confederate forces led by Major General Franklin Gardner, resulting in heavy casualties for the attackers. The intense fighting showcased the strategic importance of Port Hudson in controlling the Mississippi River and the overall outcome of the Civil War.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Garrison Defeated at Winchester

June 14th, 1863 162 years ago

The Second Battle of Winchester saw a significant defeat for Union forces when they were besieged by the Army of Northern Virginia during a campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. General Robert E. Lee aimed to consolidate his hold on the region and eliminate federal presence, leading to a decisive Confederate victory over the Union garrison commanded by General Robert H. Milroy. The battle was characterized by intense combat and strategic maneuvers on both sides, ultimately resulting in the withdrawal of Union forces.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

First Union Assault at Port Hudson

May 27th, 1863 162 years ago

The first Union infantry assault of the Siege of Port Hudson took place when Union forces, aiming to secure control of the Mississippi River, launched an attack against the Confederate defenses. Commanded by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, the assault involved thousands of troops attempting to breach the entrenched positions held by Confederate General Franklin Gardner's forces. Despite initial advances, Union troops faced fierce resistance and suffered significant casualties, leading to a strategic stalemate in the siege.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Victory at Battle of Big Black River Bridge

May 17th, 1863 162 years ago

Union forces, led by John A. McClernand, achieved a significant victory against Confederate forces at the Battle of Big Black River Bridge. This battle occurred during the Vicksburg campaign in Mississippi, where the Union aimed to capture the strategic city of Vicksburg. After engaging a Confederate rearguard, McClernand's troops managed to capture approximately 1,700 Confederate soldiers, further consolidating Union control in the area. This victory was critical in hindering Confederate forces from reinforcing their defenses at Vicksburg.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Victory at the Battle of Champion Hill

May 16th, 1863 162 years ago

The Battle of Champion Hill marked a significant turning point in the Vicksburg Campaign during the American Civil War. Ulysses S. Grant led the Union forces in a decisive victory against Confederate General John C. Pemberton's troops. The engagement took place near Vicksburg, Mississippi, providing the Union with a strategic advantage as Pemberton's army retreated towards the city. This battle highlighted Grant's tactical prowess and set the stage for the eventual siege of Vicksburg.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Victory at the Battle of Jackson

May 14th, 1863 162 years ago

Union forces successfully engaged Confederate troops led by Joseph E. Johnston at the Battle of Jackson, Mississippi. Utilizing superior numbers and artillery, the Union troops aimed to disrupt Confederate supply lines and communication, contributing to the broader Vicksburg campaign. The battle showcased the strategic importance of Jackson, as control over the city affected military operations in the region.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Defeated at Battle of Chancellorsville

May 6th, 1863 162 years ago

The Battle of Chancellorsville concluded with a significant victory for General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia over General Joseph Hooker's Union Army of the Potomac. Taking place simultaneously from late April to early May in Virginia, the battle is often considered Lee's greatest tactical triumph despite being outnumbered. Through bold maneuvers and a daring flank attack, the Confederates decisively routed Union forces, causing heavy casualties and further complicating Northern war efforts.

Continue Reading