The United States Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, was one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history. It was fought between the Union and Confederacy, and it claimed the lives of over 600,000 soldiers. One aspect of the Civil War that is often overlooked is the use of body armor by soldiers … Read more
After making his famous “March to the Sea” to Savannah, Ga., in late 1864, Union Gen. William T. Sherman cast his eyes northward toward the Carolinas and a possible link-up with Gen. U.S. Grant, who then was tightening his noose around Gen. Robert E. Lee at Petersburg, Va. Sherman’s army of 60,000 entered South Carolina … Read more
After His Stunning Victory at Second Manassas Aug. 28-30, 1862, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee Decided to Seize the Initiative, Relieve Virginia and Threaten Washington by Marching North. In Early September, Lee Led His Ragged Army of 55,000 across the Potomac River at White’s Ford near Leesburg. By Sept. 7, the Confederate Army Was Marching … Read more
Fort Donelson National Battlefield 1 mile west of Dover, northwest of Nashville. Visitor center entrance on US 79. See park website for specific directions. This strong Confederate fortification on the bluffs of the Cumberland River was the site of the first major Union victory of the war and the place that introduced the term “unconditional … Read more
The seven-state Provisional Confederate Congress met for the first time here Feb. 4, 1861, to organize a government, adopt a constitution and elect a provisional president. By the time the Congress adjourned March 21, all was accomplished. Jefferson Davis was elected president and was inaugurated at the Alabama capitol Feb. 18. The expanding Confederate States … Read more
Murphysboro LoganGeneral John A. Logan Museum 1613 Edith St, Murphysboro IL 62966 618-684-3455 Museum is devoted to the life of Gen. John A. Logan, a popular politician before the war, good general during the war, and advocate for veterans following the war. He is credited with establishing the Memorial Day tradition. Open Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–4 … Read more
The modern US 340 corridor between US Route 50 and Interstate 64 encompasses some of the most beautiful landscapes and intriguing Civil War history in Virginia. During the war, the territory east of the Massanutten Mountain was connected by a variety of roads, most of them inferior to the “improved” and more famous Valley Pike … Read more
For more information about historic sites, stop by the Lynchburg Visitor Center, 216 12th St. Union Gen. David Hunter reached the outskirts of Lynchburg June 17, 1864, hoping to capture the important supply and hospital center. Hunter’s advance on Lynchburg followed a decisive victory over Confederates at Piedmont in the Shenandoah Valley two weeks earlier. … Read more
Kansas City Battle of Westport Visitor center located 6601 Swope Parkway, Kansas City MO 64132 (913) 345-2000 www.battleofwestport.org Westport A 32-mile, 25-stop driving tour guides visitors through this Oct 21–23, 1864, battlefield, now a busy part of Kansas City. The Union victory here proved to be the decisive moment in Gen. Sterling Price’s 1864 Raid … Read more
Grant’s Canals Two Louisiana sites commemorate Union Gen. U.S. Grant’s efforts to get at the Confederate stronghold at Vicksburg by digging various canals, trying to manufacture a waterway bypassing the forts there. All these efforts were ultimately failures. Grant’s Canal Park 600 Lake St, Lake Providence LA 71254 318-559-5125 (Byerley House) An attempt by Grant … Read more