What Happened This Year 1862

Historical Events from This Year 1862

Military & Warfare

Union Soldiers Discover Lee's Battle Plans

September 13th, 1862 162 years ago

Union soldiers discovered a copy of General Robert E. Lee's battle plans in a field outside Frederick, Maryland. This significant find occurred just days prior to the Battle of Antietam, which would become one of the bloodiest battles in American history. The documents provided critical information about Confederate troop movements and intentions, giving the Union Army a strategic advantage. The discovery underscored the importance of intelligence in warfare and had substantial implications for the course of the Civil War.

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 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
Accidents & Tragedies

Allegheny Arsenal Explosion in Pennsylvania

September 17th, 1862 162 years ago

In Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville, an explosion at the Allegheny Arsenal occurred during the American Civil War, killing at least 78 people and injuring many more. The detonation happened in the morning hours as workers were handling munitions, sparking a massive fire and subsequent explosions that could be heard for miles. This incident was the largest civilian disaster related to the war, drawing attention to the dangers of munitions manufacturing during this tumultuous period.

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
Cultural Traditions

Thanksgiving in the Confederate States

September 18th, 1862 162 years ago

The Confederate States of America celebrated a Thanksgiving Day on September 18, 1862, declared by President Jefferson Davis. The event sought to unite and encourage the Southern population during the ongoing Civil War, emphasizing gratitude for military successes and resilience. It was a unique occasion, shaping the Confederate identity around shared values and community spirit, even in times of conflict. The proclamation invited citizens to express thanks for the fruits of the earth, the safety of their families, and the valor of their soldiers.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Victory Against Confederate Forces

September 19th, 1862 162 years ago

Union troops under the command of William Rosecrans defeated Confederate forces led by Sterling Price in a notable confrontation during the American Civil War. The battle took place in Missouri and was significant for the Union's aim to secure control over the state. Rosecrans's tactical maneuvering and ability to coordinate his forces effectively led to a decisive victory against Price's army, bolstering Union morale and strategy in the region.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Ever Victorious Army Defeats Taiping Forces

September 21st, 1862 162 years ago

In September 1862, the Ever Victorious Army engaged Taiping forces in Cixi, showcasing their growing military prowess. The battle illustrated the strategic effectiveness of Qing China's foreign-trained troops. Under the command of Frederick Townsend Ward, the army successfully overcame the Taiping rebels, consolidating their influence in the region. This clash was emblematic of the larger conflict between the Qing dynasty and the Taiping rebellion, which had engulfed China since 1850.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation Issued

September 22nd, 1862 162 years ago

Abraham Lincoln announced a preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation, stating that all slaves in rebellious states would be freed. This proclamation marked a pivotal moment in the Civil War, indicating a shift in the Union's war aims. Lincoln's announcement was made at the White House and was directed towards both the Confederate states and American society. The proclamation aimed to weaken the Confederacy's economic foundation while bolstering Union troops with freed slaves.

Continue Reading