Union forces entrenched around Petersburg have for weeks been planning a surprise, and unusual, offensive against the Rebel enemy. Today they spring their surprise — or more appropriately, they blow their surprise, as in setting off a mine near the Confederate lines. In what becomes known as the Battle of the Crater, the Union-detonated mine…
In Georgia, Union General William T. Sherman, hunkered down overlooking Atlanta, gives General George Stoneman free reign to ride south of Atlanta in an effort to disrupt the rebel supply line. Stoneman’s Raid is underway, with Macon as the destination. The disruption of Southern railroads between Atlanta and Macon is the prime objective. At Petersburg,…
Today in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, far from the Union offensive against Richmond, Confederate General Jubal Early‘s forces defeat Federal forces near Winchester in the Second Battle of Kernstown. While the Confederacy wins this battle, it proves to be the last Rebel victory in the Shenandoah Valley. The Union defeat this day marks the beginning of…