civil war journeys

Civil War Journeys

About the show.

Step back in time and experience the poignant and captivating tale of “Civil War Journeys.” Written and directed by John Woodruff, this compelling play takes you on a heartfelt journey through the hardships, sacrifices, and triumphs of three couples during the tumultuous era of the Civil War.

• October 13-15, 2023
• October 20-22, 2023

Set against the backdrop of one of the most transformative periods in American history, “Civil War Journeys” weaves together the stories of three couples as they navigate the unforgiving realities of war. Inspired by true events, the play follows a farmer and his best friend on their harrowing journey through the battlefields, highlighting the indomitable spirit that binds them.

In addition, “Civil War Journeys” shines a light on the complex and arduous road to freedom of a courageous slave. Through dialogue and harmonious melodies, the power of music illuminates the emotional landscape of the era, with an on-stage chorus witnessing the events and performing poignant songs like “Let My People Go” and “Somebody’s Darling.”

Prepare to be moved by the extraordinary tales of love, resilience, and humanity in “Civil War Journeys.” Don’t miss this captivating production that brings history to life on stage.

Audition Information

Auditions will be on August 19th and 20th. Stay tuned for more information!

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tv   The Civil War Civil War Journeys Geography and Photography  CSPAN  May 6, 2023 2:00pm-2:55pm EDT

The Civil War Civil War Journeys, Geography, and Photography CSPAN May 6, 2023 2:00pm-2:55pm EDT

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Smithsonian journeys commemorates the 150th anniversary of the civil war features two unique civil war tours.

Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, will present two unique Civil War tours this summer and fall to help kick off the in-depth programs commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Both tours are led by renowned historian and author A. Wilson Greene , who will explore the personalities, controversies and tensions that led to the Civil War. Each tour offers an opportunity to learn and reflect on the significance of this pivotal period in American history. Full details on these two Civil War tours can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/civil-war . 

This summer at Chautauqua , N.Y., Smithsonian participants can attend a sweeping survey of the Civil War—one of the most pivotal events in American history. Scheduled for Aug. 20-27, this special program features lectures and discussions with Smithsonian Study Leader Greene. He will explore many of the core issues of the war: the events leading up to the conflicts, the resulting political and social upheavals, the plight of individual soldiers and the role of the great commanders and their strategies. Plus, he will examine whether the Civil War was an avoidable tragedy or an irrepressible conflict. In addition to attending Smithsonian lectures, participants will also hear presentations by other leading authorities on the Civil War, including Pulitzer Prize-winning authors and historians Gordon Wood and Daniel Walker Howe. The special tour price of $2,895 for “Smithsonian at Chautauqua: The Civil War” also includes event tickets for select Chautauqua opera, theater and music performances, all meals and accommodations at the historic Athenaeum Hotel.

Civil War lovers can also join Greene on a Civil War tour titled “Journey through Hallowed Ground” ( Sept. 13-18). This tour traces themes of American history along the “Old Carolina Road” from Charlottesville, Va., to Gettysburg , Pa. Smithsonian travelers will visit two presidential homes, including President Thomas Jefferson’s magnificent Monticello and James Madison’s newly restored mansion, Montpelier. The tour continues along the fascinating National Heritage corridor to various Civil War sites such as the Brandy Station Battlefield, site of the Civil War’s largest cavalry campaign, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and sites associated with John Brown’s raid.  Greene then takes participants on a tour of Antietam National Battlefield and discusses the battle of 1862, when 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after 12 hours of combat. The tour culminates at Gettysburg with an in-depth exploration of the historic three-day battle that took place in 1863. Throughout the tour, travelers will enjoy comfortable accommodations and fine meals at charming and historic inns along the way. The cost for this tour is $2,395 and includes all meals and accommodations.

Smithsonian expert Greene is e xecutive director of Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, located near Petersburg, Va. Full details on both tours and an i nterview with the Smithsonian expert can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/civil-war .  

About Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide. The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences. The Smithsonian Journeys collection includes small-ship luxury and value cruises, private-jet tours, custom designed private travel options and small-group, air-inclusive tours worldwide. For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org .

About Smithsonian Institution

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists, and more than 6,500 volunteers. There were approximately 30 million visits from around the world at the Smithsonian in 2009 with more than 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.

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Civil War Journeys Website

by beeghleytech | Sep 15, 2011 | Civil War Related Websites | 0 comments

I was recently contacted about a new website with resources for teaching the Civil War.  The site is called Civil War Journeys and I thought I would share a quick overview with you.

Civil War Journeys is a nice educational resource on the American Civil War. The site contains nearly 4,000 battlefield photographs that students and teachers can download for their use.  We only ask that they footnote the source.  The site has a number of Microsoft PowerPoint slide presentations and videos that can be downloaded for class presentations.  Mini classes are also available for a small fee.

The battle listings include links to other websites, books and videos from Amazon, and photo galleries of the battle and reenactments.  There is also a page with 150 places to visit over the next five years as America celebrates its Sesquicentennial.

The site is well-maintained with new material added regularly.

For those wanting a discussion forum, there is a blog, Salient Points, provides information on newsworthy events, recent battlefield visits, and interesting information.

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Exploring Civil War Battlefields: A Comprehensive Driving Trip Guide

by admin | Aug 17, 2023 | Travel

Embarking on a road trip to visit Civil War sites is an enriching experience that offers a glimpse into a pivotal chapter of American history. From battlefields to historic landmarks, these sites provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the stories and events that shaped our nation. In this article, we present a comprehensive guide to help you plan a memorable driving trip to explore Civil War sites, offering travel tips, suggested itineraries, and recommendations for a fulfilling historical journey.

Research and Preparation

Study Civil War History: Familiarize yourself with the major events, battles, and key figures of the Civil War. This knowledge will enhance your appreciation of the sites you’ll be visiting.

Select Key Destinations: Identify the must-visit Civil War sites based on your interests and geographical preferences. Consider famous battlefields as well as lesser-known sites with unique historical significance.

Plan a Flexible Itinerary: Create a rough itinerary that includes travel routes, driving distances, and estimated time at each location. Allow for flexibility to accommodate unexpected discoveries or spend more time at sites that captivate you.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

Vehicle Check-up: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition by performing a thorough inspection , including tires , brakes , fluids, and wipers . Carry a spare tire, tools, and a roadside emergency kit.

Pack Essentials: Pack comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget a camera, binoculars, maps, and guidebooks to enhance your experience.

Stay Informed: Check weather conditions, site hours, and any special events or closures before setting off. Stay connected with relevant apps or websites that provide historical context and information.

Itinerary Suggestions

When planning a trip to explore Civil War sites, there are numerous locations of historical significance to consider. Here are ten top Civil War sites to visit:

Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania):

Known for the famous Battle of Gettysburg, this site offers a rich historical experience with its preserved battlefields, visitor center, and informative guided tours.

Antietam National Battlefield (Maryland):

The site of the Battle of Antietam, one of the bloodiest single-day battles in American history. Explore the battlefield, visit the Dunker Church, and gain insights into this pivotal moment in the Civil War.

Vicksburg National Military Park (Mississippi):

Located on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, this park preserves the site of the Siege of Vicksburg. It offers stunning views, historical monuments, and a museum showcasing the events that unfolded during the campaign.

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (Georgia and Tennessee):

This park encompasses both the Chickamauga Battlefield and Lookout Mountain, where key battles were fought. Explore the scenic landscapes, historical markers, and learn about the struggles for control of these strategic locations.

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (Virginia):

Visit the place where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. The park features restored buildings, exhibits, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of history.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (Virginia):

Comprising four major Civil War battlefields—Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania—this park offers a comprehensive understanding of the war’s impact on the region. Explore historic structures, trenches, and walk the hallowed grounds.

Shiloh National Military Park (Tennessee):

Experience the site of the Battle of Shiloh, a major engagement that saw heavy casualties. Explore the preserved battlefields, visit the Shiloh National Cemetery, and gain insights into this critical moment in the Western Theater.

Manassas National Battlefield Park (Virginia):

This park preserves the site of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run (Manassas). Walk along the historic trails, visit the Henry Hill Visitor Center, and witness the landscapes that witnessed the early stages of the war.

Fort Sumter National Monument (South Carolina):

Located in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Take a ferry ride to the fort, explore the exhibits, and learn about the events that led to the start of the war.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield ( Missouri ):

Visit the site of the first major battle fought west of the Mississippi River. Explore the battlefield, view the historic Ray House, and gain insights into the conflict’s impact on the Western frontier.

These sites offer a glimpse into the events, sacrifices, and impact of the Civil War. Each location provides a unique perspective on this pivotal period in American history, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the struggles and legacies left behind.

Immerse Yourself in History

To enhance your experience on this historic tour, consider these options:

Take a Guided Tour: Consider joining guided tours at specific sites to gain deeper insights from knowledgeable historians and guides.

Use Audio Guides and Apps: Utilize audio guides and mobile apps available at many sites to enhance your understanding of the events and engage in self-guided tours.

Interact with Rangers: Interact with park rangers who offer educational programs, talks, and guided walks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the sites.

Embarking on a road trip to explore Civil War sites is a captivating journey into the past. By conducting thorough research, planning a flexible itinerary, and following travel tips, you can ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.

Immerse yourself in the history, reflect on the sacrifices made, and appreciate the significance of these sites in shaping our nation. Remember to respect the hallowed grounds and heritage as you explore these historic landmarks.

By embracing the travel tips provided and immersing yourself in the stories and knowledge offered at each site, your Civil War driving trip will be an unforgettable and educational adventure. Enjoy the open road as you connect with the past and deepen your understanding of this pivotal period in American history. Safe travels, and may your journey be filled with discovery, reflection, and appreciation for our nation’s rich heritage.

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Best Driving Vacations 2024: Take a Battlefield Tour of Pennsylvania and Maryland

Visit gettysburg, antietam and fort necessity to honor those who gave their lives so the nation could live. plus, make a side trip to the flight 93 national memorial..

Today we continue on our journey highlighting four of the best driving destinations from central Ohio.

With a focus on the creme de la creme — vital, accessible and unforgettable voyages that every central Ohio resident should put on his or her bucket list — we offer suggestions that will appeal to most everyone.

From a circle tour of “our Great Lake” to the architectural wonders of a modernist sister city three hours away, these four extraordinary adventures are wonderful ways to widen your horizons in 2024.

More: Best Driving Vacations 2024: Explore the Northern Shore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Today's installment is Part 2 of 4 destination packages from Columbus Monthly's annual travel guide. We hope you enjoy.

Traveling to Gettysburg and Antietam

Not every traveler is a history buff. But a visit to Gettysburg, site of one of the most iconic and bloody battles of the Civil War, should probably be on every American’s bucket list. 

From Columbus, the drive takes a bit more than six hours. And a two- or three-day visit to the Pennsylvania landmark can easily include several other noteworthy sites along the way, including another important Civil War battlefield, the fort where George Washington suffered his most humiliating defeat and the memorial where the first Americans to fight back during 9/11 are commemorated. 

In addition to being a major historic site, Gettysburg is also a lovely small town adept at catering to the nearly 1 million visitors who arrive each year. Even visitors who never set foot in the Gettysburg National Military Park would find plenty to do. Town streets are packed with shopping, dining, breweries and wineries, hotels and inns, galleries and museums. But the battlefield should definitely be on the to-do list. 

More than 165,000 Union and Confederate soldiers clashed from July 1-3, 1863. The largest battle ever fought on this continent resulted in more than 51,000 casualties — and turned the tide of the war in favor of the Union. The battlefield Museum and Visitors Center includes 12 separate galleries, many interactive exhibits and thousands of artifacts on display. Visitors can also experience the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a painting in-the-round created in the 1880s that tells the story of the battle and is, itself, a magnificent piece of history. 

Plenty can also be discovered on a self-guided auto tour. The 6,000-acre battlefield is crossed by several small roads with plenty of places to pull off and explore the many monuments and markers that were erected in the decades after the battle. 

Bus tours are available from the visitor center. But the best way to tour the battlefield may be with a licensed guide in your own vehicle. Guides are happy to customize tours based on visitors’ interests and knowledge. 

Although the three-day Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, Antietam, near the village of Sharpsburg, Maryland, was the site of the war’s bloodiest single day — and the bloodiest day in American history, with some 23,000 casualties. Antietam National Battlefield is just an hour’s drive from Gettysburg, making it a logical stop for history-lovers passing through, or an easy daytrip for travelers extending their stay in the Pennsylvania town. 

Like Gettysburg, Antietam is dotted with monuments honoring the military units and men who served there. One of the most curious is a Brobdingnagian marker commemorating the service of a young commissary sergeant who went on to become President William McKinley. The monument celebrates McKinley’s efforts at bringing coffee and hot food to Union troops on the front lines. 

No, really. 

But if I were on the front, tired and hungry, I would certainly have welcomed and appreciated Sgt. Billy’s offerings. (Come to think of it, this might actually be the most noble act a future president has ever performed.) 

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Southwestern Pennsylvania also hosts two other important historic sites along the route from central Ohio. Fort Necessity National Battlefield near Farmington, Pennsylvania, is a small historic site featuring a museum and the recreated fort where George Washington, as a very young lieutenant colonel, led a unit of British colonial troops to a humiliating defeat at the hands of the French in 1754. Though discouraged, Washington, of course, persevered, having much better luck decades later in the American Revolution. 

Few Americans who remember Sept. 11, 2001, can visit the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and not get a bit emotional. The memorial tells the story of the terrorist attacks on the United States that day and of the passengers on United Flight 93 who gave their lives fighting back against their hijackers, preventing their plane from being used as a weapon against another prominent target, possibly the U.S. Capitol. 

The memorial marks the site where the plane hit the ground, killing all aboard. In addition to a museum, the site features several trails, including the Trail of Remembrance along the final flight path. Also at the memorial is the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot-tall structure containing 40 large wind chimes, each tuned to a separate and distinct tone of its own — a haunting and fitting way to remember the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 and a bit of history many of us lived through ourselves. 

Where to Stay When Visiting Gettysburg

Gettysburg offers a wide variety of lodging options. The Gettysburg Hotel (est. 1797) is a historic property at the heart of downtown with rates from $118 per night. For a cozier stay, consider the Brafferton Inn , with rooms beginning around $110 per night, or Battlefield Bed and Breakfast in a restored 1810 farmhouse, with rooms beginning around $210 per night. hotelgettysburg.com , brafferton.com , gettysburgbattlefield.com   

This story is from the Best Driving Vacations package in the February 2024 issue of Columbus Monthly. 

Lincoln's Journey to Washington

Historian Ted Widmer traced Abraham Lincoln ’s trip to Washington through a divided country before his first inauguration in 1861. The Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia, hosted this discussion.

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• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Virginia Center for Civil War Studies Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Virginia Center for Civil War Studies
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The Diaries Left Behind by Confederate Soldiers Reveal the True Role of Enslaved Labor at Gettysburg

Even as some enslaved men escaped North, the retreat by the Army of Northern Virginia would have been disastrous without the support of its camp servants

Kevin M. Levin

Walking the Gettysburg battlefield today, it’s easy to imagine the Union and Confederate armies dueling for control of the Pennsylvania town and its surrounding picturesque fields and rocky hills for three days in July 1863. For many tourists, no visit to Gettysburg is complete without retracing the steps General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, those Confederates who crossed the open fields toward the Union line on Cemetery Ridge on July 3 in what is still popularly remembered as “Pickett’s Charge.” Once safe behind where the Union lines held strong, however, few turn around and acknowledge the hundreds of enslaved people who emerged from the woods to render assistance to the tattered remnants of the retreating men.

Enslaved workers constituted the backbone of the Confederate war effort. Although stories of these impressed workers and camp slaves have been erased from our popular memory of the war in favor of mythical accounts of black Confederate soldiers , their presence in the Confederate army constituted a visual reminder to every soldier —slaveowner and non-slaveowner alike—that their ultimate success in battle depended on the ownership of other human beings.

Anywhere between 6,000 and 10,000 enslaved people supported in various capacities Lee’s army in the summer of 1863. Many of them labored as cooks, butchers, blacksmiths and hospital attendants, and thousands of enslaved men accompanied Confederate officers as their camp slaves, or body servants. These men performed a wide range of roles for their owners, including cooking, cleaning, foraging and sending messages to families back home. Slave owners remained convinced that these men would remain fiercely loyal even in the face of opportunities to escape, but this conviction would be tested throughout the Gettysburg campaign.

Searching for Black Confederates: The Civil War’s Most Persistent Myth (Civil War America)

More than 150 years after the end of the Civil War, scores of websites, articles, and organizations repeat claims that anywhere between 500 and 100,000 free and enslaved African Americans fought willingly as soldiers in the Confederate army. But as Kevin M. Levin argues in this carefully researched book, such claims would have shocked anyone who served in the army during the war itself.

On the first of the new year, Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which emancipated enslaved people in the states that seceded from the United States. The news quickly filtered through Confederate ranks and was certainly discussed among the army’s enslaved servants. The Proclamation, in effect, turned Union armies into armies of liberation, functioning as a funnel through which newly freed men could enlist in one of the black regiments that were filling up quickly throughout the North as well as in occupied parts of the Confederacy. Conversely, the Proclamation highlighted even further the degree to which the Confederate Army represented a force of enslavement. Lee’s decision to bring his army north into free states in early May, following his victory at Chancellorsville, was fraught with danger given the dramatic shift in Union policy; his soldiers’ rear guard, the support staff of enslaved labor, were at risk of emancipation.

When Lee’s three corps of infantry, numbering roughly 70,000, crossed the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania, they encountered clear signs that they were no longer in friendly territory. South Carolinians in Lieutenant General James Longstreet’s First Corps witnessed the women of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, appeal to their enslaved servants to run off and seize their freedom. If Confederate Major General William Dorsey Pender worried about his camp servant named Joe, he Pender did not share it in what would prove to be his final letter home to his wife. “Joe enters into the invasion with much gusto,” he noted, “and is quite active in looking up hidden property.”

“Hidden property” served as a reference to the escaped slaves already living in southern Pennsylvania; orders had been handed down throughout the Confederate army to capture and return this “property” to the South. Free African-Americans and fugitive slaves in Adams County (including Gettysburg) and surrounding counties fled with the news of Lee’s advance. While no known evidence exists that the army’s slaves assisted in kidnapping of roughly 100 men from towns such as Chambersburg, McConnellsburg, Mercersburg and Greencastle on the eve of the famous battle, it is very likely that those ensnared and led south would have passed camp servants and other slaves whose essential presence in the army helped to make their capture possible.

The battle that commenced west and north of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, expanded gradually as the two armies shifted units along the roads leading to the small town. By the end of the first day, Confederates had achieved the upper hand as the Union army established a new defensive line south of the town, with Confederates taking up a position opposite along Seminary Ridge. Lee went on the offensive for the following two days but failed to crack the Union defenses.

Very few accounts exist today of black men marching with Confederates in the heat of battle at Gettysburg. (The previous summer’s campaign on the Virginia Peninsula, where the two armies were in close proximity to one another for an extended period of time, contains a wealth of such narratives.) These primary source accounts, in the form of letters and diaries , detail how camp slaves remained in the rear, prepared to perform various support roles. Historians can piece together what the battle was like by reviewing such documents, and gather an understanding of how soldiers up and down the chain of command viewed their world, including the role of enslaved labor in their lives.

As units readied for battle, a member of the 24th Georgia recalled, “The Colonels sent back their horses by their servants.” On the afternoon of July 1, Union captain Alfred Lee of the 82nd Ohio found himself wounded and behind enemy lines. A number of rebels passed by until a “young man of benevolent expression” attempted to locate a surgeon. Failing this he “directed some negroes to go and gather” items that “might improve our comfort.” Matt Butler, assistant surgeon of the 37th Virginia, had a horse shot out from under him and was wounded in the foot on July 2 as he tended to fallen Confederates. He managed to “limp” off the field with the help of a camp servant by the name of Jim. Just as the firing ceased late on July 2, Confederate artillerist Edward Porter Alexander was pleasantly surprised to see his servant Charley “on my spare horse Meg & with very affectionate greetings & a good haversack of rations.” Alexander recalled, “Negro servants hunting for their masters were a feature of the landscape that night.”

Lee’s failure to dislodge the Union army from its position led him to order one final assault on the afternoon of July 3, utilizing the men under the command of Generals George Pickett and James Johnston Pettigrew. As their shattered command fell back following their repulse, scores of camp slaves made their way out from the cover and protection of the woods in search of their owners and to assist the wounded. Removal of the wounded took on a renewed urgency through the late afternoon and evening of July 3, following another failed assault along the center of the Union line. The Army of Northern Virginia’s ability to safely cross the Potomac with the Union army in pursuit depended in large part on camp slaves, who cared for their wounded owners, and the great numbers of enslaved workers assigned to ordnance trains, wagons and ambulances, all of which extended for miles.

Once again, the historical record tells us their stories. For one major from South Carolina, his war ended along the difficult retreat route from Gettysburg, forcing his servant to take steps to properly bury the body. As retold by the family of the fallen officer after the war , the servant eventually made his way home and remembered enough information about the burial site to escort family members there to disinter the body for transport home shortly after the war. Captain William McLeod of the 38th Georgia, meanwhile, died before the retreat, but an enslaved worker named Moses took steps to bury McLeod on a farm nearby. Moses then followed a Confederate brigade back to Winchester, Virginia, before heading home with his owner’s personal effects to Swainsboro, Georgia. In 1865, Moses made the long journey back to Gettysburg with McLeod’s brother-in-law to bring the body home.

Camp slaves like Moses who, for whatever reason, were committed to their owners made do with the limited resources available and resigned themselves in the end to passing on their owners’ parting words to their grieving families. These men chose not to escape, and while there can be little doubt that these stories convey evidence of strong bonds between owner and slave, the tendency of Lost Causers to frame them around the narrow motif of unwavering loyalty fails to capture other factors that may have influenced their behavior. Some likely anticipated the brutal punishment that accompanied their recapture (or punishment that might be meted out to family members in their absence), while others worried about how they might be treated once behind Union lines. Some eagerly awaited reunion with their own families.

Lieutenant Sidney Carter’s wounding at Gettysburg cut his life short, but before his death he requested that his camp slave, Dave, “take everything he had and bring it home,” where each item would be offered as a parting gift to his family members. More important than the transportation of personal possessions, however, Dave also conveyed the final thoughts of his master to loved ones. Carter wanted it known that “he was willing to die” and that he “talked to the clergyman about dying . . . tho so weak he could hardly be understood.” He assured his family that they would meet again in heaven. Absent the body, news that a soldier had been comforted in his final hours and had prepared himself for death reassured family members that their loved one experienced what 19th-century Americans understood as a “Good Death.”

The loss of Colonel Henry King Burgwyn Jr., killed on the first day of fighting at Gettysburg, was a devastating loss not only to the 26th North Carolina but also, as described by a fellow officer in the regiment , to his servant Kincien, who “takes it bitterly enough.” Once Burgwyn’s body was given an appropriate burial, Kincien proposed transporting the young colonel’s personal items home along with information about his death that he knew his family craved. The regiment’s quartermaster reassured the family that the colonel’s items, including spyglasses, watch, toothbrush, and various memoranda books plus $59, were all safe under Kincien’s care. “I never saw fidelity stronger in any one,” noted the quartermaster in a letter. Four years later Burgwyn’s body was reinterred in Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In the immediate aftermath of the battle and continuing throughout the Confederate army’s retreat to Virginia, other camp slaves and enslaved men, however, abandoned their posts. A quartermaster in John Bell Hood’s division observed that “a great many Negroes have gone to the Yankees.” Union cavalry raids, such as the one led by Judson Kilpatrick at Monterey Pass on July 5, hampered the retreat of tired Confederates and resulted in additional prisoners being taken, including the camp servants attached to the Richmond Howitzers as well as Major William H. Chamberlain’s servant, horse, and personal equipment. Some of these men were briefly held as prisoners in Union prison camps. Once released, they joined Union regiments or found their way to towns and cities across the North looking for work.

For many Confederate officers who were separated from their servants as a result of the battle or the confusion of the retreat, disappointment awaited them, as it did Captain Waddell of the 12th Virginia, who rejoined his unit on July 8 only to learn that his servant Willis had run off with his personal baggage. These heroic stories of abandonment were quickly supplanted by the extraordinary steps of fealty taken by enslaved men like Moses, Dave or Kincien and became the centerpiece of the Lost Cause movement, which stressed unwavering and unquestioning obedience of slaves to their masters.

As the Confederate army reorganized in the weeks following the campaign, the thin ranks of many regiments were magnified by the absence of its enslaved. Gettysburg may not have been the great turning point of the war for Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia—the army would go on to fight for close to two more years—but the Gettysburg campaign did signal a crisis of confidence in soldiers’ belief in their slaves’ unwavering fidelity.

Today some of these stories pulled from the historical record can be found on hundreds of websites, not as the stories of enslaved men, but as black Confederate soldiers. This mythical narrative, which dates only to the mid-1970s, would be completely unrecognizable to the enlisted men and officers in the Army of Northern Virginia. For real Confederates from Robert E. Lee on down, camp slaves and other enslaved workers—the entire institution of slavery, really—were crucial to the ultimate success of the army in the field and the Confederate insurgency as a whole

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Kevin M. Levin | | READ MORE

Kevin M. Levin is a historian and educator based in Boston. He is the author of numerous articles and books about the Civil War, including Searching for Black Confederates: The Civil War’s Most Persistent Myth .

Springfield Centre Theatre presents Civil War Journeys

1863 Civil War Journey

The journey to provide civil war history in indiana.

Conner Prairie’s 1863 Civil War Journey opened in 2011 , thanks to the generous support of individual, corporate, and foundation donors who contributed more than $4 million to bring this experience into reality . Heralded as a progressive new experience, Civil War Journey was the first exhibit at Conner Prairie to fully combine technology with historic first-person interpretation . Its primary goal was to teach guests about in-state Civil War engagements, which most Hoosiers were unaware of.  

Here, guests stepped into the story of July 13, 1863, in the southern Indiana town of Dupont, shortly after Confederate General John Hunt Morgan and his forces raided the town. Guests interacted with local residents and experienced immersive technology-driven presentations.   

When conceptualized, Conner Prairie hoped that Civil War Journey would be available to guests for ten years. As of 2024, we have achieved and surpassed that goal, estimating that nearly four million children and adults have visited this exhibit , creating lifelong memories.   

Guests have shared:

• “I didn’t know Morgan and his raiders came this far, didn’t realize there would be localized resistance.”
• “[I learned] that there were kids younger than my age still enlisting in the army to help save Indiana from Morgan’s Raid.”
• “I did not know the part that Indiana played in the war, so it was interesting to hear it from that perspective.”
• “It seems that Conner Prairie has modernized, but preserved the integrity of learning about history, so it makes it fun for the whole family.”

The Impact of this Experience

Within the exhibit’s first year, 79% of visitors indicated their visit made them want to learn more about the Civil War and 82% wanted to learn more about Indiana history.

Civil W ar J ourney was a continuation of Conner Prairie’s leadership and innovation in the museum space when it opened in 2011. Now, our museum is entering its next decade of growth and innovation . This year, 1863 Civil War Journey will close as a part of the natural conclusion and transition of museum exhibits , after 13 years of successful memory-making and history education.  

The Next Chapter

Civil War Journey was an impactful and immersive experience like none other in our community. In spring of 2024, guided by our Master Experience Plan , w e will begin using this space south of the covered bridge to test new themes and concepts that will inform the development of Conner Prairie’s next long-term exhibit for the area .   

North America

A Civil War Journey

From: £2395

The end result was the death of an estimated 620,000 soldiers, the defeat of the Confederacy and the abolition of slavery. In the Capital Region, there were more major Civil War battles fought than anywhere else in the United States and travellers keen to follow its history can visit more than 600 sites in Maryland and Virginia.

Price per person includes :

• Return flights UK to Washington, D.C.
• Car hire for the duration
• Accommodation 13 nights 

Day 1 & 2 : Welcome to America's Capital

Day 3 : Visit the National Battlefield Park

Distance: 32 miles

Day 4 & 5 : Fredericksburg & Chancellorsville

Distance: 40 miles

Day 6, 7 & 8 : Richmond & Appomattox

Distance: 58 miles

Day 9 & 10 : Virginia's Crowning Glory

Distance: 125 miles

Day 11 : To Harper's Ferry, Antietam & Frederick

Distance: 63 miles

Day 12 & 13 : Gettysburg National Military Park

Call the travel specialists at Bon Voyage to discuss your ideal Civil War Journey.

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A journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House. A journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House. A journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House.

• Alex Garland
• Nick Offerman
• Kirsten Dunst
• Wagner Moura
• 22 Critic reviews
• 77 Metascore
• 1 nomination

• American Soldier (Middle East)
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• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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• Trivia Actors Nick Offerman and Jesse Plemons weren't known to be a part of the project until the first trailer dropped in December 2023. Plemons even denied the rumor that he was in the film earlier that year.

Unnamed Soldier : What kind of *American* are you?

• Connections Featured in Nerdrotic: Woke Hollywood's Civil WAR? Disney DESTROYS Hasbro - Nerdrotic Nooner 388 with Chris Gore (2023)

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We were the lucky ones episode 3 ending explained.

Episode 3 of We Were The Lucky Ones reflects the horrifying conditions of World War Two and the harsh issues the Kurc family must endure to survive.

• Genec and Herta's ordeal in Siberia sheds light on the harsh realities faced by prisoners during WW2 labor camps.
• Addy's journey to Brazil is plagued by delays, reflecting the constant fear and uncertainty of wartime travel.
• Halina's risky actions to find her family show the desperate measures taken during the war, leading to uncertain consequences.

Warning: This episode contains spoilers for episode 3 of We Were The Lucky Ones.

We Were The Lucky Ones ' episode 3, " Siberia ", continues to follow the Kurc family as they try to survive while their lives are at risk due to the ongoing war. Halina, Genec, and Addy are all facing difficult situations in different parts of the world, but they all hold on to the same hope that they will be able to reunite once again. Episode 3 is entitled "Siberia", which represents the location where Genec and his wife Harta have been taken by the Soviets.

This episode offers new insight into the harsh realities that many families faced during the war; Genec and Harta are forced to endure extreme cruelty during their imprisonment. Meanwhile, Halina is putting her safety at risk to try and find out information about her family, while Addy tries to escape the conflict and seek solitude and safety in another country. While episode 3 does depict the troubles faced by the family, there is a glimmer of hope that things will take a turn for the better.

Herta & Gennec's Imprisonment In Siberia: Real Life Gulags & Polish Defensive War

After the invastion of poland, herta and genec are arrested by the soviets.

Genec and Herta's journey to Siberia is a dreary reflection of the journey of thousands of prisoners during WW2; journeys to work camps could take up to three weeks, and the trains were always cramped, meaning passengers were forced to stand.

The episode picks up after the end of episode 2 when Genec is arrested by the NKVD soldiers after he fails to disclose his Polish nationality and his Jewish faith in the rental agreement for his apartment. Rather than let her husband leave her alone, Herta sacrifices her freedom and asks to be arrested as well, boldly declaring to the soldiers " If he is an enemy, I am an enemy too ." They are two of many Polish citizens were arrested in the aftermath of the Polish Defensive War of 1939. Genec and Herta are forced to endure a terrible three-week journey on a cramped and derelict train to Siberia. Genec and Herta's journey to Siberia is a dreary reflection of the journey of thousands of prisoners during WW2; journeys to work camps could take up to three weeks, and the trains were always cramped, meaning passengers were forced to stand (via The Holocaust Explained ).

Once they arrive in Siberia, Genec and Herta are taken to a labor camp run by the Soviets that was known as a gulag; these gulags enforced forced labor in exchange for food and a place to sleep (via Britannica ). Escape was virtually impossible as the nearest village was miles away, and they would face severe punishment if they tried to escape. Gerec and Herta represent dozens of Soviet prisoners who realize that they will have to fight hard to stay alive if they have any hope of returning home at the end of the war.

Addy's Journey To Brazil: Civil Evacuations and Escape During WW2

Thousands fled occupied countries during the outbreak of war.

We Were The Lucky Ones depicts Addy's life away from his family in France; the lack of communication between him and his family during the war, leaves him heartbroken, but still hopeful that he will see them again. In episode 3, Addy attempts to escape France, traveling on a ship to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil; during WW2, many people attempted to escape occupied European countries and flee to other countries such as America and Brazil, with some of them using green passes and false IDs to leave Europe (via United States Holocaust Museum ).

It doesn't take long for Addy to settle into life on the ship, entertaining and performing the piano for the other passengers, when he meets Elisabeth, a young woman traveling with her mother. The time they spend together offers a temporary distraction from the ordeals of war. While watching the morning sun, they notice that the ship is close to land. Addy knows that they can't have reached their destination yet, and begins to fear that something bad is about to happen.

We Were the Lucky Ones Review: Logan Lerman & Joey King Soar In Heartfelt, Emotional Holocaust Show

Addy's journey delays explained: the fear & search for safety, there is no true safe place during world war ii.

Addy makes the statement " Nowhere is safe, the war is everywhere " which reflects the dark reality of their situation; no matter where anybody tries to go, they are living in constant fear of the threat of war.

Addy's journey to Brazil is hindered by unexpected detours and the ship is stopped in Senegal, an anti-Jewish colony, for a month. The constant delays cause Addy to become more angry and frustrated with the situation; when he learns that the ship isn't going to Brazil anymore, he loses his temper and ends up fighting the captain, who says nothing can be done. In his anger, Addy makes the statement " Nowhere is safe, the war is everywhere " which reflects the dark reality of their situation ; no matter where anybody tries to go, they are living in constant fear of the threat of war.

Addy's outburst represents the emotions of everyone on board the ship; they want to escape the war and find a safe place, but the continuous stops make them question if they will ever find safety. In the evening, Elisabeth visits Addy in his room to check on him, and they spend the night together. Eventually, the passengers are informed that they must disembark at Casablanca, where many refugees were left during the war evacuations (via The Times of Israel ). Addy is separated from Elisabeth in the hustle, and he is left alone, wondering what to do now.

Herta's Labor and The Harsh Realities of Gulags

Soviet camps had little-to-no proper health care for prisoners.

During the war, many gulag prisoners had no access to medicine and were often punished severely; this is shown when Genec is beaten by the officers.

As episode 3 progresses, Genec and Herta continue to struggle in the prison camp; his requests to the officers for his wife to have some rest are continuously ignored. The harsh conditions of the camp increase Genec's concerns for Hera; his pleas to have a doctor see his wife are rejected. Herta later goes into labor; she is forced to deliver their baby in the filthy work camp, without any medical care.

Genec is later punished for being late for work, by having his food withdrawn for a week; this punishment causes Genec to lose his temper with the Commandment and snap that everybody in the camp is being treated unfairly. During the war, many gulag prisoners had no access to medicine and were often punished severely; this is shown when Genec is beaten by the officers (via Miami University ). However, Genec's anger and pain is diminished when he discovers that Herta has successfully given birth to a healthy baby. This is the first positive moment to take place for the couple; while there are more difficult challenges to be faced, the birth of Genec and Herta's baby offers a sense of hope that things will improve for the better.

Halina's Crimes Explained: Theft & False IDs

During the war many resorted to crime and using false ids.

Many people acquired false IDs during the war to conceal their Jewish identity and obtain information about their families; this is shown by Halina using false IDs, to trace information about her brother.

As seen in episode 2, " Lvov ", Halina manages to flee Radom to Lvov with Bella. In episode 3, "Siberia", she finds a job working as a lab assistant with a Soviet professor . While working, Halina steals valuable items from the laboratory, which she exchanges for fake IDs; she is scolded by Adam for her crimes as she is jeopardizing her job and putting herself at risk of being arrested. Halina expresses to Adam that she knows that she's taking risks, but she will do anything she can to find her brother.

During the war, many civilians resorted to criminal activity and worked with the Underground resistance to obtain false IDs and escape the Nazis. Many people acquired false IDs during the war to conceal their Jewish identity and obtain information about their families ; this is shown by Halina using false IDs, to trace information about her brother (via Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center ). Halina's desire to find Genec leads her to confide in the Doctor about her family and she will do anything to find Genec. The episode ends with Halina being taken away by Soviet officers; her future is left uncertain, but the next stage of We Were The Lucky Ones will undoubtedly offer the answers to whether Halina will ever see her family again.

Sources: The Holocaust Explained , Britannica , United States Holocaust Museum , The Times of Israel , Miami University , Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

We Were The Lucky Ones episodes 1-3 are available on Hulu. The remaining 5 episodes will be released each week from April 4 to May 2, 2024.

We Were the Lucky Ones

For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio , a new iOS app available for news subscribers.

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Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

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It’s been nearly six months since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel, when militants took more than 200 hostages into Gaza.

In a village called Nir Oz, near the border, one quarter of residents were either killed or taken hostage. Yocheved Lifshitz and her husband, Oded Lifshitz, were among those taken.

Today, Yocheved and her daughter Sharone tell their story.

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Yocheved Lifshitz, a former hostage.

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Yocheved Lifshitz was beaten and held in tunnels built by Hamas for 17 days.

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Park Service visitor center.

The next day drive to Fort Moultrie which has a long history from Revolutionary War to World War II.  Major Anderson abandoned this for when he moved the garrison to Fort Sumter. 

Take a trip out of town to visit Drayton Hall , Boone Hall Plantation, and/or Middleton Place Plantation.

Spend a morning at The Old City Market/Daughters Of The Confederacy Museum and Charleston Museum.  Visit the HL Hunley which was the first successful combat submarine in world history when eight men entered an experimental vessel with a mission to sink the USS Housatonic . You might also want to take a Civil War Walking Tour of Charleston.

Take your time to enjoy this historic city and its many fine restaurants.

Please check out the following guides:

Return to Battlefield Road Trip listings .

have several options here including hiring a guide and purchasing a audio tape or CD.  The National Park Service provides suggestions for planning your visit.

If you can arrange it, the Gettysburg Reenactment will be held on July 4,5 and 6, 2008.

On a warm July day in 1861, the Union and Confederate armies fought for the first time on the fields overlooking Bull Run.  The First Battle of Manassas was fought by 60,000 inexperienced but enthusiastic volunteers. Both sides were confident that their enemy would run at the first shot and the new recruits were thankful that they would not miss the only battle of what would be a short war. 

On July 16th, 1861, the untried Union army under Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell marched from Washington against the Confederate army, which was drawn up behind Bull Run beyond Centreville. On July 21st, McDowell attacked the Confederate left flank on Matthews Hill. Fighting raged throughout the day as Confederate forces were driven back to Henry Hill.  Late in the afternoon, Confederate reinforcements extended and broke the Union right flank. The Federal retreat rapidly deteriorated into a rout. Although victorious, Confederate forces were too disorganized to pursue.

Ten hours of heavy fighting swept away any notion the war's outcome would be decided quickly. The Union and Confederate soldiers were shocked by the violence and destruction of the battle.  At the end of July 21st, nearly 900 young men lay lifeless on the fields of Matthews Hill, Henry Hill, and Chinn Ridge.

In August 1862, Union and Confederate armies converged for a second time on the plains of Manassas. In the three day battle General Robert E. Lee defeated Union Major General John Pope and brought the Confederacy to the height of its power. The Second Battle of Manassas was fought by seasoned veterans.   On August 28th, Major General Thomas Jackson ordered an attack on a Federal column that was passing across his front on the Warrenton Turnpike to draw Pope’s army into battle. The fighting at Brawner Farm lasted several hours and resulted in a stalemate.  Pope became convinced that he had trapped Jackson and  concentrated the bulk of his army against him. On August 29th, Pope   attacked Jackson’s position along an unfinished railroad grade. The attacks were repulsed with heavy casualties on both sides. At noon, Longstreet's forces arrived on the field from Thoroughfare Gap and took position on Jackson’s right flank.  On August 30th, Pope renewed his attacks, seemingly unaware that Longstreet was on the field. When massed Confederate artillery devastated a Union assault by Fitz John Porter’s command, Longstreet’s wing of 28,000 men counterattacked in the largest, simultaneous mass assault of the war. The Union left flank was crushed and the army driven back to Bull Run. The battle resulted in a another Confederate victory at the cost of over 24,000 casualties.

The Manassas National Battlefield Park is operated by the National Park Service.  The battlefield's website contains extensive information to plan your visit. You can reach the park located 15 miles southwest of Dulles Airport and can be reached from Washington, DC via Route 66.  The site contains directions to the battlefield.

The park features a mile self guided walking trail of Henry Hill with four push button tape recorded messages and interpretive signs tells the story of the First Battle of Manassas. The park also has two longer trails : A five mile long loop trail covers the ground that was contested at  First Manassas and a five mile long loop trail crosses the key terrain of the three day long battle of Second Manassas.   A 45 minute Ranger walking tour around Henry Hill covers the events of the First Battle of Manassas.  There is also a 13 mile self guided driving tour of Second Manassas that covers 11 sites that figured prominently in the second battle.

Start your tour at the Henry Hill Visitor Center   and see the film " Manassas: End of Innocence. "  The center also has a museum and bookstore. 

Tour the Visitor Center and the First Manassas battlefield in the morning and go on the self guided driving tour of Second Manassas in the afternoon.

Please click on link below for map.

Federal Penetration up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers

The trip begins at Fort Donelson, TN the scene of Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's victory and his demand for "unconditional surrender."  Please click on link below for map.  Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Dover, Tennessee, United States

From Fort Donelson drive southwest on route 79 to route 45 bypass to Jackson. Jackson was the site of a minor engagement between Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry and Union forces  From Jackson drive south to route 64 and head east to the National Park Service Shiloh, TN Battlefield .  Please click on link below for map. Shiloh National Military Park (national military park), Tennessee, United States

Visit the Shiloh, TN battlefield and learn more about the battle. 

From the Shiloh battlefield drive south on route 22 and route 45 to Corinth, MS.

Explore the Corinth, MS battlefields ( Corinth, MS I - April 29-June 10, 1862 and Corinth, MS II - October 3-4, 1862 ) .  

Following the Union victory at Shiloh, the Union armies under Maj. Gen. Henry Halleck advanced toward the rail center at Corinth, MS . By May 25, 1862, after moving 5 miles in 3 weeks, Halleck was in position to lay siege to the town. The preliminary bombardment began, and Union forces maneuvered for position. On the evening of May 29-30th, Confederate commander Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard evacuated Corinth and moved his troops to Tupelo.

In addition to the battle described above another battle occurred at Corinth in October 1862 as part of the Iuka and Corinth Campaign. Please see the Iuka, MS (September 19, 1862)   and Corinth, MS II (October 3-4, 1862) battle summaries for more information.

Visit the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center to learn more about the battles.

a, and many towns were deserted. 

n March 6-8, 1862.   Please click on link below for map.

By early 1862, Union troops had forced the Confederates out of Missouri.  Union Brigadier General Samuel R. Curtis decided to chase the Confederates into Arkansas with his Army of th

Grant's Overland Campaign

The Overland Campaign, also known as Grant's Overland Campaign and the Wilderness Campaign, was a series of battles fought in Virginia during May and June 1864. Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant , general-in-chief of all Union armies, directed the actions of the Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj. Gen. George G. Meade , and other forces against Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Although Grant suffered horrible losses and multiple tactical defeats during the campaign, it is considered a strategic Union victory, which maneuvered Lee into an untenable position at Petersburg, VA. The campaign was the bloodiest in American history with approximately 55,000 Union and 32,600 Confederate casualties.

This campaign may be explored on the National Park Service website Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial. 

The website contains directions to the Wilderness Battlefield and Spotsylvania Battlefield. The National Park Service recommends that you go to the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center or Chancellorsville Visitor Center to obtain information on the battles, directions to the battlefields, brochures and maps.  I would suggest that you spend the morning at the Wildness site and the afternoon touring the more extensive Spotsylvania Battlefield that has a five-mile driving tour and seven miles of loop walking trails.

A number of engagements occurred after Spotsylvania:

Yellow Tavern (May 11) - J.E.B. Stuart was mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern in a battle between Sheridan's and Stuart's cavalry.

Meadow Bridge (May 12) - Sheridan's cavalry captured a railroad bridge over the rain-swollen Chickahominy River that allowed engineers to rebuild a nearby road bridge and permitted the troopers to escape to safety.

Wilson's Wharf (May 24) - Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry attacked the Union supply depot at Wilson's Wharf but were repulsed by two black regiments.

North Anna (May 23 – May 26) - Lee positioned his forces behind the North Anna River in a salient that forced Grant to divide his army to attack it. On May 23rd, one of A.P. Hill’s divisions assaulted the V Corps, which had crossed the river, resulting in bloody but inconclusive fighting. On the May 24th, Union infantry was repulsed at Ox Ford but advanced on the Confederate right. Lee missed an  opportunity to defeat Grant's divided forces and the Union forces continued moving southeast toward Old Cold Harbor.

Haw's Shop (May 28) - Gregg's Union cavalry division, supported by Torbert's division, advanced to cover the Army of the Potomac's crossing of the Pamunkey River and movement toward Totopotomoy Creek. Wade Hampton's cavalry division met the Federals at Enon Church and stopped the Federal advance.

Totopotomoy Creek (May 28 – May 30) - Lee's forces entrenched behind the Totopotomoy Creek and covered all of the direct approaches to Richmond. The Union II Corps crossed and captured the first line of Confederate trenches, but were stopped at the main line. The Federal V Corps, near Bethesda Church on the far left flank of the Union army, were attacked by Early's corps and driven back.

Old Church (May 30) - With the armies stalemated along the Totopotomoy Creek line, the Federal cavalry began probing east and south. Torbert's Union cavalry division attacked and defeated Matthew C. Butler's brigade near Old Church. Butler's troopers were driven back on the road to Old Cold Harbor, which allowed  Sheridan to capture the important crossroads the next day.

The campaign concluded with the Battle of Trevilian Station (June 11 – June 12). To draw off the Confederate cavalry and to clear the way for movement to the James River, Sheridan mounted a large-scale cavalry raid into Louisa County, threatening to cut the Virginia Central Railroad. On June 11th, Sheridan with Gregg's and Torbert's divisions attacked Hampton's and Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry divisions at Trevilian Station. Sheridan drove a wedge between the Confederate divisions, throwing them into confusion. On June 12th, Hampton and Lee dismounted their troopers and formed a defensive line across the railroad and the road to Gordonsville. From their position the Confederates defeated several Union dismounted assaults. Sheridan withdrew after destroying about six miles of the Virginia Central Railroad. The Confederate victory at Trevilian prevented Sheridan from reaching Charlottesville and cooperating with Maj. Gen. David Hunter's army in the Valley.

On June 24th, Hampton's cavalry attempted to cut off Sheridan's cavalry at Saint Mary's Church. Sheridan fought a delaying action to protect a long supply train. 

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Revised 01/02/2009

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