Can anyone tell me what was the importance of each battle/battle site of the Civil War battles that took place Nov 1864. They were Johnsonville Tenn, Bull's Gap Tenn, Columbia Tenn, Spring Hill Tenn, Franklin Tenn, Griswoldville Georgia, Buck Head Creek Georgia, and Honey Hill South Carolina?
Certainly! The Civil War battles that took place in November 1864 were pivotal moments in the conflict. Let's look at the importance of each battle site:
1. Johnsonville, Tennessee: The Battle of Johnsonville was significant because it targeted a vital supply base for the Union Army. The Confederate forces, led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, attacked the Union supply lines along the Tennessee River, attempting to interrupt the flow of resources. Although the Confederates inflicted damage on Union vessels and supplies, they failed to disrupt the Northern army significantly.
2. Bull's Gap, Tennessee: The Battle of Bull's Gap was part of Confederate General John C. Breckinridge's East Tennessee Campaign. Breckinridge aimed to disrupt Union control in the region by cutting off supply lines and increasing Confederate support. However, Union General Alvan C. Gillem successfully defended the strategic railroad junction at Bull's Gap, securing the area for the Union.
3. Columbia, Tennessee: The Battle of Columbia marked a strategic retreat by Union General John M. Schofield's forces as they headed southward. Confederate General John Bell Hood's Army of Tennessee pursued Schofield, hoping to engage and defeat the Union army. Although Union forces suffered some casualties during their withdrawal, they were able to maintain their overall defensive positions.
4. Spring Hill, Tennessee: The Battle of Spring Hill was a crucial prelude to the Battle of Franklin the next day. Union General Schofield's forces were nearly trapped by General Hood's Confederates as they sought to traverse the Spring Hill community. However, due to miscommunication and strategic errors on the Confederate side, Schofield's troops successfully slipped away during the night, narrowly avoiding complete disaster for the Union.
5. Franklin, Tennessee: The Battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest engagements of the Civil War. Confederate General Hood launched a frontal assault on the Union Army in an attempt to halt its retreat. The battle resulted in heavy Confederate casualties, including the loss of several key commanders. Although the Union forces suffered significant losses as well, they successfully repelled the Confederate attack and continued their withdrawal.
6. Griswoldville, Georgia: The Battle of Griswoldville was a smaller engagement with limited overall impact. It occurred when Union forces attempted to disrupt Confederate supply lines in central Georgia. The Confederate troops successfully defended against the Union attack, resulting in minimal strategic consequences for either side.
7. Buck Head Creek, Georgia: The Battle of Buck Head Creek was another minor skirmish that stemmed from Union General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea. As Sherman's forces moved through Georgia, Confederate cavalry under General Joseph Wheeler attempted to obstruct and delay their progress. While the Confederates momentarily halted the Union advance, they were eventually overwhelmed, allowing Sherman's march to continue largely unimpeded.
8. Honey Hill, South Carolina: The Battle of Honey Hill was an attempt by the Union army, under General John P. Hatch, to capture a Confederate position and disrupt their supply lines. The Union forces faced staunch resistance from Confederate troops occupying advantageous defensive positions. Despite initial gains, the Union assault was repelled, resulting in a tactical Confederate victory and a setback for Union efforts to control South Carolina.
In summary, these battles in November 1864 played significant roles in the progress and outcome of the Civil War. They influenced the control of critical supply routes, strategic retreats and advances, and inflicted heavy casualties on both sides. Understanding the importance of each battle site provides insight into the overall narrative of the war and its ultimate result.
Check these sites.
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war-battles.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_Civil_War_battles
If these sites don't have this information, I suggest you Google each of them separately. For instance, I Googled Battle Johnsonville and immediately found this site.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Johnsonville