The U.S. Congress began debating the abolition of slavery and restoration of the Union. Hood launched a desperate attack on Nashville in one final effort to reverse the overwhelming Federal momentum. Sherman wreaked havoc through Georgia, and Federals sought to capture the last major Confederate seaport.
The Armies Arrive Outside Nashville
Following the Battle of Franklin, the Federals fall back to Nashville as planned. Despite sustaining heavy losses at Franklin, John Bell Hood’s demoralized Confederate Army of Tennessee follows.
Sherman’s March: The Waynesboro Engagement
Federal and Confederate cavalry forces clash for several days as William T. Sherman’s Federal march to the sea seems unstoppable.
Letter from Private Andrew Moon of the 104th Ohio Volunteers to his sister.
Nashville: Hood Weakens as Thomas Prepares
John Bell Hood further weakens his Confederate Army of Tennessee by detaching a force to capture Murfreesboro. Meanwhile, George H. Thomas continues to slowly prepare to attack Hood, despite pressure from superiors. The situation escalates amidst harsh winter conditions.
Abraham Lincoln’s 1864 Message to Congress
The Thirty-eighth U.S. Congress receives President Abraham Lincoln’s annual message. With the Confederacy on the verge of defeat, Lincoln emphasizes optimism regarding the future. He focuses mainly on pushing Congress to abolish slavery and reinforcing his commitment to the Confederacy’s unconditional surrender.
The Nashville Standoff Continues
The Federal and Confederate armies south of Nashville continue their standoff, as neither of the opposing commanders are quite ready for battle yet.
Main elements of William T. Sherman’s Federal armies arrive on the outskirts of Savannah after cutting a path of destruction through Georgia from Atlanta to the sea. Sherman resolves to lay siege to the city, while Confederates work desperately to fortify defenses.
The Nashville Ice Storm Stalls Operations
George H. Thomas faces increasing pressure from his Federal superior to attack the Confederate Army of Tennessee south of Nashville, but a severe winter storm plagues the area and hinders maneuvers. As the ice melts, Thomas plans his attack.
Federals Target Fort McAllister
William T. Sherman’s Federal armies surround Savannah and prepare to attack Fort McAllister, which blocks Sherman to establish communication with the Federal naval fleet.
As William T. Sherman’s Federal armies surround Savannah on the Atlantic coast, a division of the Fifteenth Corps prepares to capture Fort McAllister, which blocks communication with the Federal naval fleet.
The capture of Fort McAllister gives William T. Sherman’s Federals an unlimited supply line via the ocean and enables them to shift their focus to the key city of Savannah.
After significant delays, George H. Thomas finally launches his long-awaited Federal assault on the Confederate Army of Tennessee south of Nashville.
The Battle of Nashville: Day Two
George H. Thomas renews his Federal assault on the weakened and demoralized Confederate Army of Tennessee south of Nashville.
William T. Sherman’s Federal armies assume attack positions outside Savannah, hoping to capture this vital port city on the Atlantic coast and complete their march to the sea.
Confederates Evacuate Savannah
William Hardee, commanding the small Confederate force defending Savannah on the Atlantic coast, issues orders for his troops to evacuate the city in the face of overwhelming Federal numbers.
George H. Thomas’s Federals, led by his cavalry, struggle to pursue and destroy the rapidly disintegrating Confederate Army of Tennessee as it retreats south toward Alabama.
William T. Sherman’s Federals complete their devastating march to the sea by capturing the vital Confederate port city of Savannah, Georgia.
Fort Fisher: The Federal Fleet Assembles
Delayed by weather and troop movements, a joint Federal army-navy force finally assembles to attack Fort Fisher, which guards the last viable Confederate seaport at Wilmington, North Carolina.
Fort Fisher: The Federal Fleet Attacks
The powder ship U.S.S. Louisiana explodes, signaling the beginning of the Federal assault on Fort Fisher on the North Carolina coast.
Fort Fisher: The Federal Army Withdraws
Federal naval forces bombard Fort Fisher on the North Carolina coast, but the Federal commander controversially decides not to land his troops for an assault.
The End of the March to the Sea
William T. Sherman’s Federals occupy Savannah, Georgia, marking the end of their 285-mile march to the sea. Amidst celebrations, concerns arise regarding Sherman’s treatment of escaped slaves.
George H. Thomas decides to end his pursuit of the beaten, demoralized Confederates as they leave Tennessee for the last time.
The Federal high command prepares for a second effort to capture Fort Fisher on the North Carolina coast and tries to determine why the first effort failed.
Influential statesman Francis P. Blair, Sr. receives unofficial permission from President Lincoln to go to Richmond and discuss with Confederate President Jefferson Davis the possibility of ending the war.
Last Updated: 1/20/2025