Abraham Lincoln orders the drafting of militia into the Federal armies and allows for the recruitment of blacks as military combatants for the first time.
Tag: Department of the South
The Fall of Charleston
February 18, 1865 – City officials surrendered Charleston, South Carolina, to Federal forces this morning. Charleston was the Confederacy’s prized port city, having defied a
The South Carolina Campaign Begins
January 19, 1865 – Major General William T. Sherman issued orders for his Federal troops to start moving north, out of Savannah and into South
Sherman Looks to South Carolina
January 10, 1865 – Major General William T. Sherman prepared for what promised to be another devastating Federal march through the southern heartland. After capturing
Sherman’s March: Savannah is Doomed
December 17, 1864 – Major General William T. Sherman’s Federal armies assumed attack positions outside Savannah, hoping to capture this vital port city on the
Sherman’s March: Federals Target Fort McAllister
December 12, 1864 – Elements of Major General William T. Sherman’s Federal armies prepared to attack Fort McAllister, which blocked Sherman from linking with the