In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley this day, Union forces deal a decisive blow to Confederates in the Battle of Cedar Creek. So conclusive is the Federal victory over Confederate General Jubal Early‘s army that Confederate resistance in the valley effectively comes to an end. Meanwhile, in Bridgeport, Alabama, Lewis Raymond, Baptist minister and chaplain of the…
The First Battle of Saltville takes place today in Virginia. Salt is an important war-time commodity. In today’s battle, Union forces attempt to seize saltworks controlled by Confederate forces. For three days the fighting rages, until at last Confederate soldiers, regulars and home front guards, although outnumbered, defeat the Federals. Upon defeating the enemy, irregular…
Today in the Atlanta Campaign Union forces cross Peach Tree Creek (or Peachtree Creek) and are attacked by Confederate forces. In the evenly-matched Battle of Peachtree Creek, the Union prevails due to confusion and hesitation on the part of the Confederates in attacking the Federals at their most vulnerable. The Union victory places the Federals…