Overland Campaign opens: Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Sedgwick's death, Yellow Tavern and Ware Bottom Church (1864)

Grant's Overland Campaign opened in May 1864 with the Battle of the Wilderness, followed by fighting at Spotsylvania Court House where General John Sedgwick was killed. Sheridan's cavalry raid resulted in the mortal wounding of J.E.B. Stuart at Yellow Tavern, while the Bermuda Hundred Campaign saw a Confederate victory at Ware Bottom Church.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. In March 1864, Grant was promoted to lieutenant general and given command of all Union armies. He crossed the Rapidan River on May 4, seeking to place his forces between Lee and Richmond to invite an open battle. This initiated the Overland Campaign, a series of battles in Virginia during May and June 1864, towards the end of the American Civil War.

Wilderness and Spotsylvania. The Army of the Potomac crossed the Rapidan River on May 4, converging on the Wilderness of Spotsylvania. Fighting occurred on and off from May 8 through May 21, 1864, as Grant tried various schemes to break the Confederate line. The Battle of the Wilderness was fought on May 5–7, 1864, marking the start of this intense engagement.

Cavalry and Bermuda Hundred. Sheridan went over Meade's head on May 8, telling Grant he could defeat Stuart if his Cavalry Corps were let loose. The Battle of Yellow Tavern was fought on May 11, 1864, as part of the Overland Campaign. Meanwhile, the Battle of Ware Bottom Church occurred on May 20, 1864, during the Virginia Bermuda Hundred Campaign.

People involved

Sources

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