Chancellorsville
From McLaws Wedge to Talley Farm, Stonewall Brigade Tracts, Rodes-Doles acreage, and a few other locations, you've been helping us save acres of land at Chancellorsville battlefield for years. Thank you! Today, we're spending some time "at ease in camp" looking at Chancellorsville history, photos, a new video, and (drum-roll) the survey results for the generals at that May 1863 battle.
Survey Results
No need for a recount today... Here are the results from last week's survey:
Out of 24 votes last week, "Stonewall" Jackson swept the electoral field with 10 votes, ahead of Lee, Stuart, Meade, and Hancock by 8 points.
Thomas J. Jackson got the nickname "Stonewall" at the first battle of the Civil War for his immovable defensive stand until the right moment for a counterattack. From his 1862 Valley Campaign to the Seven Days Battle, Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, "Stonewall" had created a military partnership with Lee and scored many victories. Chancellorsville's Confederate victory came through Jackson's bold move to divide the army again, make a long march, and launch a surprise flank attack on May 2, 1863. However, later that night, he was wounded by friendly fire and died of pneumonia on May 10.
Four generals tied for second place in last week's survey: Robert E. Lee, J.E.B. Stuart, George Meade, and Winfield S. Hancock.
Chancellorsville is considered Lee's finest victory as he evaded army traps and struck back in bold attacks. Stuart helped to plot the flank attack and took over command of the Confederate Second Corps after Jackon's wounding.
Meade commanded the Union V Corps at Chancellorsville and was held in reserve for most of the battle. Hancock, a division commander in the II Corps, helped organize and cover the Federal retreat to and across the Rappahannock River.
CVBT's New Chancellorsville Video
On Chancellorsville Battlefield
Practicing social distancing and still taking a daily walk? This week we're suggesting a site within Chancellorsville National Battlefield, clearly related to the winner of the Chancellorsville survey. Jackson's Flank Attack Fields Located off Route 3, west of the Chancellorsville Visitor Center, these open fields were the site of Jackson's Flank Attack on the XI Corps during the late afternoon of May 2, 1863. It's a pretty place to park and take a stroll. If you're feeling more adventurous, take the driving tour of Jackson's March. Start at Catherine's Furnace and follow Jackson's Trail West. When you reach Brock Road, turn left. Make a right on Jackson Trail East and be aware that there is a creek to cross which can run swiftly if there's been recent rain. When you reach Brock Road again, turn left. At the intersection with Route 3, make a right. The flank attack fields will be on your left a little further down the road.
Central Virginia Battlefields Trust's mission is to preserve, protect, and educate about Civil War hallowed ground at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania.
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