The Civil War-1861-1865
1864 Timeline (Con't)
June 9-March 5, 1864-Siege of Petersburg: The siege was more of a trench warfare action then a surround and attack action. Grant constructed over 30 miles of trenches, from which raids were had, in an attempt to cut-off confederate railroad supply lines through Petersburg to Richmond. Lee ultimately had to abandon both cities and retreat.
July 11-12, 1864-Battle of Fort Stevens: This battle is known for it's vicinity, (Within 5 miles) of Washington D.C., and the presence of Abraham Lincoln who oversaw the battle. The confederates, led by Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early were repelled by Union reinforcements under Maj. Gen. Horatio G. Wright. The strong defenses of Fort Stevens also minimized the military threat. Early retreated after two days.
November 16-December 21, 1864-Sherman's March to the Sea: Sherman's March to the Sea, began on November 15, when his troops left Atlanta. The campaign ended on December 21, when they captured the Port of Savannah. His hurried march however, cut him off from his source of supplies. His drastic move, forced his troops to live off the land. His methods were considered to be a scorched earth policy, whereby he ordered his troops to burn crops, kill livestock, consume supplies and destroy civilian infrastructure in their path.
Nov. 8, 1864-Abraham Lincoln Re-elected: Sherman's victory in Atlanta, boosted Lincolns' popularity and helped him win re-election by a wide margin over his Democratic opponents of Gen. George B. McClellan and George Pendleton.
December 15-16, 1864-The Battle of Nashville: The battle was fought between the Confederate Army of Tennessee, under Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood and Federal forces led by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas. Gen. Thomas attacked and virtually destroyed Hoods army. It was one of the largest victories by the Union during the war.
1865 Timeline
Jan. 13-15, 1865-Fort Fisher, North Carolina: Wilmington had the last major port open to the Confederacy. A two day attack commencing on December 24, by joint Union Army and Navy forces was defeated. The Union Army returned in January and so did Admiral David D. Porter, in command of 60 ships of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Porter's warships subjected Fort Fisher to a terrific bombardment. Afterward, General Alfred H. Terry's troops took it by storm, thus sealing off the last port, able to maintain a line of goods and supplies for the Confederacy.
Fall of the Confederacy: The South began to experience transportation problems and food shortages, causing starving soldiers to desert Lee's forces. Confederate President Jefferson Davis, approved the arming of slaves, as a means to beef up his shrinking forces, but his idea, was never put into effect.
Civil War Timeline-1865 (Con't)
Sources/Credits
Excerpts from Wikipedia.org-Civil War Battles
Civil War Battles
Excerpts from, Time Line of the Civil War-1861
Compiled by Joanne Freeman with a special debt to the Encyclopedia of American History by Richard B. Morris.
Library of Congress
Dictator Mortar
Wikipedia-PD
