Battles and arms of the Civil War

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Battle of Antietam

        Also known to the Southern as the Battle of Sharpsburg, this was the first major battle fought on Northern soil. It was fought on September 17, 1862. With the casualties of about 23 thousand, this was the bloodiest single-day battle fought in the civil war. Confederate leader General Robert E. Lee with 45 thousand men moved on through Maryland. Leaving the battle plans behind wrapped in three cigars, his army divided to take certain parts around the Maryland area. The Union under the command of Major General George B. McClellan was to intercept Lee, but by mistake, a union soldier found Lee’s battle plan. With this advantage, they set up fortify positions according to the map and made their move on the Confederate. After hours of fighting, the Confederate surrendered. They made truths and collected the wounded. Lee was to fall back into Virginia leaving a Union victory. The Union casualties were up to 12,401 and the Confederate were up to 10,318.

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First Battle of Bull Run

        Also known as the Battle of Manassas, it was fought on July 21, 1861.  It was the first major battle of the civil war. The Union under the command of Brigadier General Irvin McDowell was to go through and fight Confederate General Beauregard at the Manassas Junction. While this happened, Union Major General Robert Patterson was to engage Confederate General Johnston. With this, Johnston could not reinforce Beauregard. As McDowell marched for two days, he discovered that Beauregard moved up to Bull Run. With the unsuccess of flanking Beauregard from the right, McDowell moved for the left. Panic during the battle forced the Union to retreat, along with civilians (who were dumb enough to picnic and watch the battle). The Union casualties were at 28,450 and for the Confederate were 32,230    

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Battle of Chickamauga

        The name Chickamauga means “Stagnant River”. This battle ended the Union defense in the Chickamauga Campaign. It was fought on September 18-20, 1863. The Union under the command of Major General William Rosecrans went against the Confederate under General Braxton Bragg. In Tennessee, Rosecrans men split in three corps and went out on different routes. One corps under Major General Thomas L. Crittenden went strait to Chattanooga, important city for the Union. Bragg, who controlled the city, was force to retreat while Crittenden ...

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