Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
165 YEARS AGO: In northwestern Virginia, one Confederate commander surrenders his force, and another becomes the first general killed in action.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: A detachment of George B. McClellan’s Federal army attacks an isolated portion of Robert S. Garnett’s Confederate army near Beverly in northwestern Virginia.
165 YEARS AGO: The standoff in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley continues. Federal General Robert Patterson feebly tries to engage Joseph E. Johnston’s Confederates, but Johnston has other ideas.
165 YEARS AGO: Henry H. Sibley tries to persuade Jefferson Davis that he could lead a force into the New Mexico Territory and claim her for the Confederacy.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Heavy skirmishing erupts at the foot of Laurel Hill as George B. McClellan’s Federals prepared to attack Robert S. Garnett’s Confederate defenders. Garnett expresses doubt about his capability to defend against the advancing enemy, as McClellan strategizes for an impending battle at Laurel Hill and Rich Mountain.
165 YEARS AGO: The C.S.S. Sumter completes her first raid on U.S. shipping, Federals strengthen their blockade, and a Federal crew takes on Confederate privateers.