Learn about the people, battles, and impact of the Civil War!
Introduction The Battle of Lookout Mountain, also known as the Battle Above the Clouds, set the stage for the Battle of Missionary Ridge, one of the Union’s greatest victories in the war. Grant's victory exemplifies his strategic brilliance and his corps commanders (Sherman, Thomas, Hooker). Indeed, this was not only the greatest leadership of any... Continue Reading →
The City of Chattanooga Chattanooga was a town that was stationed on a railroad junction next to the Tennessee River in a plain located in the Cumberland Mountains. The city housed two thousand residents and likely would have been of little significance had it not been for the battle that would take place there, immortalizing... Continue Reading →
Intro General Grant’s strategic military genius has been continually downplayed in modern times, often leading to a lack of comprehension of his astounding military skills. He has especially been branded as a butcher due to his high casualty rate in the 1864 Overland Campaign. Yet his strategic successes at Fort Henry & Donelson, Vicksburg and... Continue Reading →
Historical Background The Droop Mountain Battlefield was the site of one of the largest Civil War battles fought in West Virginia. Although this engagement is less well-known than more iconic battles such as Manassas, Antietam, or Gettysburg, it was highly significant in deciding the course of the war in West Virginia since, the West Virginia... Continue Reading →
Intro - The Battle of Gettysburg The Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and many wonder how many died. It saw the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia facing off against the Union Army of the Potomac during Lee's second invasion of the North. His first resulted in the Battle of... Continue Reading →
The Battle of Shiloh changed the Civil War. It showed that the war would not be quick and that it would be very bloody. Learn more about the battle here.
Intro - Civil War Battles The American Civil War raged from 1861-1865. Many Civil War battles were fought during war and an estimated 750,000 Americans died. This war still stands as the bloodiest war in American history and the turning point in American history. What decided this war was the battle that was fought to... Continue Reading →
In part three of our Vicksburg in the Civil War series, we examine Grant's move south and attempt to take Grand Gulf.
The Battle of Antietam is the bloodiest battle in American history. Learn about the events and significance here.
Introduction The life of Charles Smedley was one of bravery and valor that, like many other lives during the Civil War, met a tragic end. Smedley, while serving in the war, left us with a wealth of material in the form of diaries. These diary entries have given us a first-hand account of the history... Continue Reading →
