Historical Events tagged with "union army"

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.

Crime & Law

Capture and Death of John Wilkes Booth

April 26th, 1865 160 years ago

In Virginia, Union cavalry troopers tracked down and confronted John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. After a tense standoff in a barn, Booth was shot dead by Union soldiers. The operation was executed following a manhunt for Booth, who had fled after the assassination. It marked the dramatic end of the search for Lincoln's killer.

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Military & Warfare

Union Army Captures Mobile, Alabama

April 12th, 1865 160 years ago

The Union Army successfully captured Mobile, Alabama, a key Confederate port city, significantly impacting the Civil War. Under the command of General Edward Canby, the Union forces laid siege to the city, which had been fortified and was defended by Confederate troops led by General Richard Taylor. The capture was completed after intense fighting and key tactical maneuvers, leading to the surrender of Confederate forces. This victory contributed to the decline of Confederate control in the South.

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Military & Warfare

Confederate Army's Defeat at Battle of Franklin

November 30th, 1864 160 years ago

In a fierce confrontation, the Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by General John Bell Hood, launched a direct assault on the Union Army of the Ohio, commanded by General John Schofield, in Franklin, Tennessee. The attack resulted in catastrophic casualties for the Confederates, marking a significant turning point in the Civil War. Hood's forces suffered heavy loss, with thousands falling in a short span, demonstrating the fatal impact of direct assaults against fortified positions. This bloody battle underscored the diminishing capabilities of the Confederate army in the face of the Union's strategic advantages.

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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.

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Military & Warfare

Union Cavalry Victory at Toms Brook

October 9th, 1864 160 years ago

Union cavalrymen defeated Confederate forces at Toms Brook during Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign. This battle showcased the effectiveness of Union Cavalry under General Philip Sheridan, as they outmaneuvered and overcame Confederate troops. The victory was crucial in maintaining Union control over the Shenandoah Valley and disrupting Confederate supply lines.

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Military & Warfare

Forrest's Victory at Brice's Crossroads

June 10th, 1864 160 years ago

Confederate troops led by Nathan Bedford Forrest decisively defeated a much larger Union force commanded by General Samuel D. Sturgis at Brice's Crossroads, Mississippi. This engagement is notable for Forrest's tactical genius and use of cavalry maneuvers, which allowed a smaller force to achieve a significant victory against the Union Army. The battle highlighted the effectiveness of Confederate cavalry in controlling the battlefield despite numerical disadvantages.

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Military & Warfare

Union Army's Red River Campaign Concludes

May 22nd, 1864 160 years ago

The Red River Campaign, an ambitious Union operation aimed at seizing control of the Red River Valley in Louisiana, ended in failure after ten weeks of military engagements. Commanded by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, the campaign aimed to gain control of the region and support General Grant's operations against Vicksburg. However, the Union forces faced logistical challenges, fierce resistance from Confederate troops under General Richard Taylor, and supply issues that culminated in their retreat. The campaign's end marked a significant setback in the Union’s strategy to assert dominance in the South.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre of African American Soldiers at Fort Pillow

April 12th, 1864 161 years ago

Confederate forces attacked Fort Pillow, Tennessee, resulting in the deaths of many African American soldiers who had surrendered. The assault began in the morning and led to significant loss of life, with reports indicating that approximately 300 of the 600 men present, mostly former slaves who had been enlisted in the Union Army, were killed after surrendering. This event highlighted the brutal realities of the Civil War, particularly regarding the treatment of African American troops.

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Military & Warfare

Union Victory at Missionary Ridge

November 25th, 1863 161 years ago

Union forces led by General Ulysses S. Grant achieved a significant victory at Missionary Ridge in Tennessee, breaking the Confederate siege of Chattanooga. The battle marked a turning point in the Civil War, as Union troops successfully routed those commanded by General Braxton Bragg. This decisive engagement showcased the effectiveness of Grant's leadership and the resolve of the Union army, contributing to the overall momentum of the North in the conflict.

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