Historical Events tagged with "union"

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

Ambrose Burnside Takes Command of Army of the Potomac

November 9th, 1862 162 years ago

Union General Ambrose Burnside assumed command of the Army of the Potomac after General George B. McClellan was relieved from duty. This change marked a significant shift in the leadership of Union forces during the ongoing American Civil War. Burnside, known for his distinctive facial hair and prior successes, was tasked with revitalizing the Army's morale and addressing pressing military challenges. His command would set the stage for further engagements in the war, particularly the notable Battle of Fredericksburg.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Confederate Raid on Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

October 11th, 1862 162 years ago

Confederate cavalry under General J.E.B. Stuart conducted a raid on Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, during the American Civil War. This strategic incursion aimed to disrupt Union supply lines and gather intelligence. The raid resulted in the capture of supplies and a significant number of horses and equipment, showcasing Stuart's intention to exert Confederate influence in Union territory and bolster morale among Southern troops. The encounter also reflected the ongoing tactics employed by both sides to control the border regions between North and South.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Bloodiest Day in American Military History

September 17th, 1862 162 years ago

The Battle of Antietam occurred as Union General George B. McClellan engaged Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. This single-day battle unfolded near Sharpsburg, Maryland, where McClellan aimed to halt Lee's first invasion of the North. The fighting was intense and fierce, resulting in significant casualties and marking a turning point in the Civil War.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Confederate Forces Seize Harpers Ferry

September 15th, 1862 162 years ago

Confederate forces captured Harpers Ferry, Virginia, on September 15, 1862, during the American Civil War. This strategic location was vital for both rail and river transportation, serving as a key position for the Union and Confederate armies. The capture involved a well-planned maneuver by General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, facing Union forces led by Colonel Dixon S. Miles. The surrender of the Union garrison resulted in the acquisition of considerable military supplies and enhanced morale for the Confederacy.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Battle of South Mountain during Maryland Campaign

September 14th, 1862 162 years ago

Fought in Maryland, the Battle of South Mountain saw Union and Confederate forces clash as Union General George B. McClellan pursued General Robert E. Lee's army. The tactical maneuvering along South Mountain was crucial in the Union's attempt to stop the Confederate advance into the North, leading to significant engagements at locations like Fox's Gap and Turner's Gap. The battle lasted from dawn until dusk, marking a pivotal moment in the Maryland Campaign as the Union sought to regain momentum and morale.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Confederate Victory at Chantilly Encounter

September 1st, 1862 162 years ago

The Battle of Chantilly saw Confederate forces engage and defeat a retreating group of Union troops in Chantilly, Virginia. As Union soldiers attempted to regroup after earlier skirmishes, they encountered a well-coordinated Confederate force led by General Stonewall Jackson. This small but fierce confrontation highlighted the tactical prowess of the Confederate army while exposing vulnerabilities in Union defenses.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Confederate Victory at the Battle of Richmond

August 30th, 1862 162 years ago

Confederate forces led by Edmund Kirby Smith achieved a decisive victory against Union troops commanded by General William 'Bull' Nelson in Richmond, Kentucky, highlighting the strategic prowess of the Confederate army in the region. Smith's troops executed a well-coordinated attack that overwhelmed the Union defenses, forcing Nelson's troops into retreat. This battle underscored the fierce competition for control over Kentucky, which was critical for both sides in the broader context of the Civil War.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Confederate Victory at Cedar Mountain

August 9th, 1862 162 years ago

At Cedar Mountain in Virginia, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson faced off against Union General John Pope. The battle occurred as both sides maneuvered for control of the northern Virginia region. Despite being outnumbered, Jackson executed a series of tactical maneuvers that allowed his forces to achieve a narrow victory. This engagement was a significant part of the Second Manassas campaign, showcasing Jackson's military prowess and the persistent tension between the Union and Confederate forces in the summer of 1862.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

CSS Arkansas Scuttled After Engine Failure

August 6th, 1862 162 years ago

The Confederate ironclad CSS Arkansas was scuttled in the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after suffering a drastic engine failure. Crew members chose to sink the vessel to prevent it from falling into Union hands, marking a significant point in naval engagements during the American Civil War. The CSS Arkansas had previously shown promise in battle, raising the stakes of the moment as it failed to stay operational.

Continue Reading