BATTLES OF THE CIVIL WAR Mrs. Williamson

Fort Sumter- Fort Sumter- South Carolina fort on Charlestown Harbor, originally Union fort until April Confederates ask for fort to be turned over and after Major Robert Anderson refuses to give in to the Rebels, they open fire. Anderson surrenders the fort. South Carolina fort on Charlestown Harbor, originally Union fort until April Confederates ask for fort to be turned over and after Major Robert Anderson refuses to give in to the Rebels, they open fire. Anderson surrenders the fort.

First Battle of Bull Run- Also known as Manassas (by the South) in Virginia. On route to Richmond, Union meets the Confederacy in July 1861 outside of Washington D.C. Irvin McDowell launches the attack against PGT Beauregard, but the union ends up retreating. This battle shows that the war will be long!

Monitor vs Merrimack Also known as the Battle of Hampton Roads, The Merrimack (CSS Virginia) sails out of Norfolk to attack the Union fleet off of the coast of Virginia. The CSS Virginia hits and damages many US vessels and on the second day, it encounters the USS Monitor. Both sides claim victory, although neither side suffers damage.

Shiloh (AKA: Pittsburg Landing) Shiloh (AKA: Pittsburg Landing) April 6-7, 1862 Ulysses S. Grant launches a surprise attack on Confederate troops led by Sidney Johnston and P.G.T. Beauregard. Although the Union suffers the first day, they are able to survive the “Hornet’s Nest” and win the battle.

Peninsular Campaign McClellan launches this invasion to capture the capital of Richmond. He wants to go up the James and York Rivers, but he is met by Confederate Joseph Johnston. The Confeds confuse the McClellan at Yorktown, so McClellan hesitates to attack (it takes a month). They meet at the Battle of Seven Pines (or Fair Oaks), and both sides suffer casualties. The battle is inconclusive. Johnston is replaced by Lee, who beats McClellan at the Seven Days Battle (June 25-July 1), which ends the campaign.

Antietam- Lee VS. McClellan, September 17, 1862; First attempt by the Confederacy to march on northern soil. More than 23,000 KIA or WIA. Lee dares McClellan to attack the next day, but doesn’t. It is recorded as a Union victory, but perhaps the rebels would have won the battle if Lee’s messenger did not lose his battle plans. This was the single most bloodiest day of the entire war.

Fredericksburg Ambrose Burnside takes over command of the Union and plans to take Richmond by crossing the Rappahonnock River at Fredericksburg, VA. The Union troops have to run across a ½ mile of open fields and a stone fence. Once they get near Lee and Longstreet, the Union charge up Marye’s Heights (hill), but are not successful. Lee stays in Fredericksburg. At night, the wounded froze to death. Chancellorsville Joseph Hooker takes over command of the Union forces. His plan is to cut off Lee’s supply lines. While Hooker is preparing, the Confederates attack- apparently, Hooker just starred like a “frozen fox.” Lee’s Greatest Victory, despite losing Jackson.

Gettysburg: Major Turning Point in the War! Lee’s second invasion in July Right before the battle, George Meade is appointed commander of the Union forces. Lee, Longstreet, and Pickett suffer a major loss after three days of battle.

Vicksburg During same time as Gettysburg, near the Mississippi River. Union wants Vicksburg to hold both ends of the Mississippi River. This would split the Confederacy in two! If they could take it, the Union could shell boats and supplies carried from New Orleans and Memphis. Early in 1863, Grant tries to isolate then siege the city. After 17 days, Grant is able to take the city.

Petersburg Petersburg Last great campaign; Grant laid siege to the city for nine long months and each side attacked one another daily. Although both sides suffered, the Confederates were not able to replace their supplies, which caused them to surrender. Lee and his men abandoned the city and marched across the Appomattox River, thus ending the war.