What Happened This Year 1862

Historical Events from This Year 1862

Military & Warfare

Union Forces Defeat Confederates at Shiloh

April 7th, 1862 162 years ago

The Battle of Shiloh, fought in April 1862 near Shiloh, Tennessee, witnessed the Union Army of the Tennessee and the Army of the Ohio clashing with the Confederate Army of Mississippi. Over two days of intense fighting, both sides faced heavy casualties, but Union forces ultimately secured a strategic victory under the command of Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Don Carlos Buell. The battle highlighted the fierce determination of the Confederacy and the expanding scope of the Civil War as thousands of men engaged in one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

The Great Locomotive Chase Unfolds

April 12th, 1862 162 years ago

In a daring raid during the American Civil War, Union officer James J. Andrews led a group of volunteers to steal a Confederate train in Big Shanty, Georgia. Their goal was to disrupt supply lines by sabotaging railroad tracks as they traveled north. They managed to hijack the train and embarked on a chase, but faced challenges as Confederate forces pursued them. The pursuit involved a dramatic race and conclusion at several locations, capturing the imagination of many who followed their endeavors.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

End of Slavery in the District of Columbia

April 16th, 1862 162 years ago

The District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act was signed into law, formally abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia. This significant legislative measure provided for the emancipation of enslaved persons in Washington, D.C., and offered compensation to their former owners. Signed by President Abraham Lincoln, the Act represented a key step toward broader emancipation efforts in the United States.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Battle at Lee's Mills in Virginia

April 16th, 1862 162 years ago

The Battle of Lee's Mills was a military engagement during the American Civil War. Fought within the context of the Peninsula Campaign, it took place near Williamsburg, Virginia. The Union forces, commanded by General John W. Wool, aimed to advance and secure their position against the Confederate army under General James Longstreet. The battle showcased early trench warfare and marked a strategic moment before larger confrontations followed in the campaign.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Pasteur and Bernard Disprove Spontaneous Generation

April 20th, 1862 162 years ago

Louis Pasteur and Claude Bernard conducted experiments that demonstrated the invalidity of the theory of spontaneous generation. They showed that microorganisms did not arise spontaneously from non-living matter but rather from existing microorganisms. This marked a pivotal moment in microbiology and set the foundation for germ theory, critical for advancements in medicine and public health.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Farragut Demands Surrender of New Orleans

April 25th, 1862 162 years ago

Forces led by U.S. Admiral David Farragut captured New Orleans, Louisiana, marking a significant victory for the Union during the American Civil War. On this occasion, Farragut’s fleet engaged the city defenses and called for the surrender of the Confederate stronghold. The successful operation was pivotal in controlling the Mississippi River, which had strategic importance for both the Union and the Confederacy. New Orleans, the largest city in the South at that time, was vital for transportation and trade, making its capture a crucial milestone.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Forces Capture New Orleans

April 29th, 1862 162 years ago

Union naval forces, led by Admiral David Farragut, launched a successful assault on New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 29, 1862. This strategic city was crucial for the Confederate war effort, serving as a significant port for supplies and commerce. Farragut’s fleet moved past the city's formidable defenses, which included forts and heavy artillery, demonstrating naval ingenuity and firepower. The capture paved the way for Union control of the Mississippi River, hampering Confederate logistics and trade.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Zaragoza Defeats French Forces in Puebla

May 5th, 1862 162 years ago

Troops led by General Ignacio Zaragoza successfully halted a French invasion during the Battle of Puebla. This pivotal moment took place in Mexico, showcasing the resilience of Mexican forces against a well-equipped European army. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Zaragoza's troops utilized strategic defenses and morale to emerge victorious against the French, bolstering national pride and resistance movements throughout the country.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Army Occupies Baton Rouge, Louisiana

May 12th, 1862 162 years ago

Union Army troops captured Baton Rouge during the Civil War. Led by Major General Benjamin Butler, the occupation began when Union forces seized the strategically significant city to control the lower Mississippi River. This move was pivotal for the Union in maintaining supply lines and asserting dominance over Confederate territories. The occupation facilitated the Union's broader strategy in the Gulf Coast region, where control of key ports was crucial for their naval operations.

Continue Reading