The Civil War Book

On this day in the Civil War, President Lincoln removes General George McClellan from his command as General-in-Chief of the Union armies. McClellan is given the Army of the Potomac and he will be under the direction of the Secretary of War.

General George McClellan and staff

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, General Grant confers with General Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac, at Brandy Station.

General George Meade

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, a naval battle takes place between the CSS Merrimack and the USS Monitor. The battle occurs in the harbor at Hampton Roads. Fighting continues for nearly two hours until injuries force the commanders to pull back. There is relatively little damage done to either vessel and the battle has no true victor.

Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack 

(Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, General Ulysses S. Grant meets President Abraham Lincoln for the first time at a reception in the White House.

General Ulysses S. Grant

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, General McClellan takes the Federal Army of the Potomac toward the region of Virginia where General Joseph Johnston’s Confederates are encamped.