Ambrose Burnside proposes to move his Federal Army of the Potomac across the Rappahannock River, while Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia continues strengthening its defenses west of Fredericksburg.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Ambrose Burnside proposes to move his Federal Army of the Potomac across the Rappahannock River, while Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia continues strengthening its defenses west of Fredericksburg.
Ambrose Burnside’s Federals are finally poised to cross the Rappahannock River in northern Virginia, while Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederates hurry to reinforce Robert E. Lee’s army behind Fredericksburg.
Ambrose Burnside continues waiting for all his pontoons to arrive, while Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederate corps hurries east from the Shenandoah Valley to reinforce Robert E. Lee’s army outside Fredericksburg.
Robert E. Lee reorganizes his battered Confederate army, in which many men lack the necessary food, clothing, and shelter.
As part of Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army moves through Maryland, another part under Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson forces the largest Federal surrender of the war.
Three Confederate forces converge on the Federal garrison at Harpers Ferry, at the strategic confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.