The Civil War Book

On this day in the Civil War, the USS Monitor sinks in stormy waters off Cape Hatteras. This results in the death of 16 men.

USS Monitor

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Federal troops under General William T. Sherman attempt to break through Confederate defenses at Chickasaw Bluffs, Mississippi. This effort was made to capture Vicksburg, the Confederate “Gibraltar of the West”.

The attempt failed, with Union troops suffering over 1,700 casualties.

Vicksburg Battlefield

Vicksburg, Mississippi

On this day in the Civil War, fighting breaks out in Van Buren, Arkansas between Confederates and Federals who are commanded by General James Blunt. The Union forces seized 100 prisoners as well as supplies.

General James Blunt

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Union troops under General Benjamin Prentiss clash with rebels at Mount Sion, Missouri.

General Benjamin Prentiss

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, the United States government agrees to surrender the Confederate commissioners James Mason and John Slidell into the hands of Great Britain.

James Mason

John Slidell

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)