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winter of 1863-1864
During the winter of 1863-1864, the Union Army of the Potomac and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia faced each other across the Rapidan River in central Virginia. The Union forces, commanded by Major General George G. Meade, were quartered around Culpeper Court House. The Confederates, led by General Robert B. Lee, camped around Orange Court House. Clark's Mountain, a prominent ridge on the river's southern bank, served as a lookout station for the rebels. The conical tents of Meade -
May 4
May 4, and Lee’s spotting stations had no trouble gauging the direction of the enemy’s march. At 9:30 a.m. came word that the Federals seemed to be moving to the right and heading for Germanna Ford and Ely’s Ford. -
winter 1864
The spring of 1864 opened the Civil War's fourth year. In March, Ulysses S. Grant—hero of Vicksburg and Chattanooga—was elevated to the rank of lieutenant general and placed in command of all Union armies in hope that he would bring unity to the Federal war effort. Grant decided to make his headquarters with the Army of the Potomac. He was to concentrate on general strategy while his army commanders—including Meade—managed their forces and tended to tactical matters. -
the great spring campaign of 1864
The great spring campaign of 1864 was about to get underway. For weeks Confederate General Robert E. Lee had watched the Union forces camped to the north of the Rapidan River grow in size and confidence -
May 2, 1864
On May 2, 1864, he met with his senior officers atop Clark’s Mountain, a high point just south of the Rapidan River and the location of one of his best observation posts and signal stations -
May 6 , 1864
Hancock attacked along the Plank Road, driving Hill’s Corps back in confusion. Longstreet’s Corps arrived in time to prevent the collapse of the Confederate right flank -
May 5, 1864
May 5, 1864, the Union V Corps attacked Ewell’s Corps on the Orange Turnpike, while A.P. Hill’s corps during the afternoon encountered Getty’s Division (VI Corps) and Hancock’s II Corps on the Plank Road
