Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Jubal Early’s Confederate army advances through Maryland to threaten Washington, D.C., in an effort to divert Federal forces from besieging Petersburg. Panic spreads through Washington as reinforcements hurry to defend the city, and a makeshift Federal army awaits Early at the Monocacy River.
Jubal Early’s Confederate Army of the Valley moves north “down” Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley toward Maryland. Federals guarding Washington and Baltimore quickly mobilize defenses.
John C. Breckinridge’s Confederates begin leaving the Shenandoah Valley after their victory at New Market. Franz Sigel is replaced by a brutal new Federal commander in the region, with orders to apply relentless pressure.
John C. Breckinridge leads a makeshift Confederate army in trying to stop Franz Sigel’s Federal drive up Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
John C. Breckinridge’s Confederates move out to confront Franz Sigel’s Federal Army of West Virginia advancing south “up” Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Smaller operations take place in West Virginia, including a clash at Cloyd’s Mountain.
Ulysses S. Grant orchestrates an all-out Federal offensive in which all major Federal armies are to launch a joint attack. One part of this offensive gets under way as Federals are on the move in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.