Both Federals and Confederates claim victory after a terrible two-day battle, while the shock of such enormous human loss starts to sink in.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Both Federals and Confederates claim victory after a terrible two-day battle, while the shock of such enormous human loss starts to sink in.
The most terrible battle of the war to-date begins as the Confederate Army of Mississippi swarms upon unsuspecting Federals in southwestern Tennessee.
The Confederate Army of Mississippi advances into southwestern Tennessee to confront Ulysses S. Grant’s Federals, who remain largely unaware of the enemy’s approach.
Federal forces advance southward up the Tennessee River as Henry W. Halleck directs two armies to converge to invade the Deep South.
Confederates strengthen their defense line across Kentucky, as William T. Sherman gives his Federal superiors a gloomy report of affairs in the state.
Federal troops pour into Washington and talk quickly turns from defense to offensive operations.