Looking Back
Today's Date In Civil War History
Have you ever wondered?
See what happened today in Civil War history. The information presented here is intended to serve as a reminder of important Civil War anniversaries. With the brief format of this feature we, of course, cannot list every event that occurred during the War. As always, we Welcome your comments and suggestions. Presented by CivilWarAlbum.com
December 311862. Battle of Parker’s Crossroads, TN. Confederate troops under the famous Cavalry commander Nathan Bedford Forrest, the “Wizard of the Saddle”, are surprised by an attack from their rear. When asked for direction, Forrest exclaims “Charge both ways!”
1862. Battle of Stone’s River (Murfreesboro) TN. Forces under Confederate General Braxton Bragg collide with Union forces under Union General Wm. Rosecrans in first of three days’ fighting. Union repels Confederate attacks; terrible losses on both sides.
1862. West Virginia admitted to the Union as 35th state.
1862. USS Monitor sinks off Cape Hatteras in stormy seas.
January 11862. Battle of Port Royal Island, SC.
1862. Confederate Commissioners Slidell and Mason (Trent Affair) are released from Prison.
1863. Emancipation Proclamation takes effect. Lincoln states all slaves “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free…”
...and it didn't free a single slave.January 21863. Third day of Battle of Stones River (Murfreesboro). Confederate forces under Bragg attack Union forces under Rosecrans but are repulsed. Battle comes to an end with more that 24,000 casualties in three days’ fighting.