Other Names: None
Location: Warren County
Campaign: Grant’s Operations against Vicksburg (1863)
Date(s): May 18-July 4, 1863
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant [US]; Lt. Gen. John C.
Pemberton [CS]
Forces Engaged: Army of the Tennessee [US]; Army of Vicksburg [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 19,233 total (US 10,142; CS 9,091)
Description: In May and June of 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s armies converged
on Vicksburg, investing the city and entrapping a Confederate army under Lt.
Gen. John Pemberton. On July 4, Vicksburg surrendered after prolonged siege
operations. This was the culmination of one of the most brilliant military
campaigns of the war. With the loss of Pemberton’s army and this vital
stronghold on the Mississippi, the Confederacy was effectively split in half.
Grant's successes in the West boosted his reputation, leading ultimately to his
appointment as General-in-Chief of the Union armies.
Result(s): Union victory
Other
Names: First Bull Run
Location:
Fairfax County and Prince William County
Campaign:
Manassas Campaign (July 1861)
Date(s):
July 21, 1861
Principal
Commanders: Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell [US]; Brig. Gen.
Joseph E. Johnston and Brig. Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard [CS]
Forces
Engaged: 60,680 total (US 28,450; CS 32,230)
Estimated
Casualties: 4,700 total (US 2,950; CS 1,750)
Description:
This was the first major land battle of the armies in Virginia. On July
16, 1861, the untried Union army under Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell marched from
Washington against the Confederate army, which was drawn up behind Bull Run
beyond Centreville. On the 21st, McDowell crossed at Sudley Ford and attacked
the Confederate left flank on Matthews Hill. Fighting raged throughout the day
as Confederate forces were driven back to Henry Hill. Late in the
afternoon, Confederate reinforcements (one brigade arriving by rail from the
Shenandoah Valley) extended and broke the Union right flank. The Federal
retreat rapidly deteriorated into a rout. Although victorious, Confederate forces
were too disorganized to pursue. Confederate Gen. Bee and Col. Bartow were
killed. Thomas J. Jackson earned the nom de guerre “Stonewall.” By July 22, the
shattered Union army reached the safety of Washington. This battle convinced
the Lincoln administration that the war would be a long and costly affair.
McDowell was relieved of command of the Union army and replaced by Maj. Gen.
George B. McClellan, who set about reorganizing and training the troops.
Result(s): Confederate victory
Other
Names: Sharpsburg
Location:
Washington County
Campaign: Maryland
Campaign (September 1862)
Date(s): September
16-18, 1862
Principal
Commanders: Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan [US]; Gen. Robert E. Lee [CS]
Forces
Engaged: Armies
Estimated
Casualties: 23,100 total
Description: On
September 16, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan confronted Lee’s Army of Northern
Virginia at Sharpsburg, Maryland. At dawn September 17, Hooker’s corps mounted
a powerful assault on Lee’s left flank that began the single bloodiest day in
American military history. Attacks and counterattacks swept across Miller’s
cornfield and fighting swirled around the Dunker Church. Union assaults against
the Sunken Road eventually pierced the Confederate center, but the Federal
advantage was not followed up. Late in the day, Burnside’s corps finally got
into action, crossing the stone bridge over Antietam Creek and rolling up the
Confederate right. At a crucial moment, A.P. Hill’s division arrived from
Harpers Ferry and counterattacked, driving back Burnside and saving the day.
Although outnumbered two-to-one, Lee committed his entire force, while
McClellan sent in less than three-quarters of his army, enabling Lee to fight
the Federals to a standstill. During the night, both armies consolidated their
lines. In spite of crippling casualties, Lee continued to skirmish with
McClellan throughout the 18th, while removing his wounded south of the river.
McClellan did not renew the assaults. After dark, Lee ordered the battered Army
of Northern Virginia to withdraw across the Potomac into the Shenandoah Valley.
Result(s): Inconclusive (Union strategic victory.)