Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Robert E. Lee launches his planned assault on the right flank of the Federal Army of the Potomac outside Richmond, but it does not go as he hoped.
The first of what would be a series of battles takes place on the Virginia Peninsula as George B. McClellan’s Federals try to capture a valuable position in front of the Confederate defenses.
Robert E. Lee issues orders for a Confederate attack on George B. McClellan’s Federals outside Richmond, but McClellan plans an attack of his own.
Braxton Bragg takes command of the Confederate Army of Mississippi and prepares to lead it into action.
Abraham Lincoln creates a new Federal army designed to do what George B. McClellan could not–destroy the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and capture Richmond.
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederates head east to reinforce Robert E. Lee on the Virginia Peninsula, while George B. McClellan continues fuming about his superiors in Washington.