The Civil War Book

On this day in the Civil War, as part of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s invasion force, General Jubal Early and his troops move into Gettysburg, Pa.

General Jubal Early

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Federal mining engineer Colonel Henry Pleasants creates a plan to dig a tunnel toward Confederate earthworks at Petersburg.

When the tunnel is completed, the mine is to be filled with powder to blow up Confederate fortifications.

Petersburg, Virginia

On this day in the Civil War, Federal artillery increases shelling the besieged city of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

A civilian observer, in describing the condition of the population of Vicksburg, says, “There were some stores that had supplies, and the prices climbed steadily, but first nobody had the money, and then nobody had the supplies.”

Shirley House

Vicksburg, Mississippi 

On this day in the Civil War, President Lincoln leaves Washington City on a trip to West Point.

He intends to discuss military strategies with retired Union General Winfield Scott.

General Winfield Scott

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)