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On this day in the Civil War, the second day of the Battle of Chickamauga commences. During the savage fighting the Union line is cut in two, and the Confederate army routs the Federals. The total combined losses for both armies is over 44,000, with both sides losing about 28% of their strength.
The stand by Union forces, commanded by General George Thomas, against severe odds earns him the nickname, “The Rock of Chickamauga”.
On this day in the Civil War, the Union army commanded by General William Rosecrans collides with the Confederate army commanded by General Braxton Bragg at the Battle of Chickamauga. Losses on both sides are heavy, but neither army gains an advantage at the end of the day.
On this day in the Civil War, Confederate General Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia leave Maryland after the bloody battle of Antietam the previous day.
This ends General Lee’s invasion of the North.
On this day in the Civil War, the Battle of Antietam or the Battle of Sharpsburg in the South becomes the bloodiest day in American history. In one day of fighting, there is over 23,000 casualties; over 12,000 for the North and over 11,000 for the South. Of the total Confederate force of 45,000, their casualties are 24% of their army. The Union army totals 87,000 men, with a casualty rate of 14%. The total combined dead are over 3,600 soldiers.
The battle is summed up by a Federal Captain, who states, “I have heard of the ‘dead lying in heaps,’ but never saw it till at this battle. Whole ranks fell together.”
General Hooker later wrote of the fighting in the cornfield, “Every stock of corn in the field was cut as closely as could have been done with a knife, and the slain lay in rows, precisely as they had stood in their ranks a few moments before.”
On this day in the Civil War, Confederate Nathan B. Forrest along with 4,500 troopers leave Verona, Mississippi to attack General Sherman’s supply lines.
Nathan B. Forrest
(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)
The Civil War Book 