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Fredericksburg: The Crossroads of the Civil War

Ronald Simmons

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Published in Fredericksburg Fredericksburg (Civil War America)

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Fredericksburg, Virginia, was a small town of about 5,000 people when the Civil War began in 1861. But its location on the Rappahannock River made it a strategic prize for both the Union and Confederate armies. The city would become the site of two major battles during the war, and its fate would be forever linked to the conflict.

Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg! (Civil War America)

by George C. Rable

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	687 pages

The first Battle of Fredericksburg was fought on December 11-15, 1862. The Union Army, under the command of General Ambrose Burnside, attempted to cross the Rappahannock River and attack the Confederate Army, under the command of General Robert E. Lee. The Confederates were well-entrenched on the high ground south of the river, and they easily repelled the Union attacks. The battle was a disaster for the Union, with over 12,000 casualties.

The second Battle of Fredericksburg was fought on May 3-4, 1863. The Union Army, again under the command of Burnside, attempted to cross the Rappahannock River and attack the Confederate Army, again under the command of Lee. The Confederates were again well-entrenched on the high ground south of the river, and they again easily repelled the Union attacks. The battle was another disaster for the Union, with over 17,000 casualties.

The two Battles of Fredericksburg were some of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. They also had a significant impact on the course of the war. The Union's failure to capture Fredericksburg in 1862 led to the resignation of Burnside and the appointment of General George G. Meade to command of the Army of the Potomac. Meade would later lead the Union to victory at the Battle of Gettysburg.

The Battles of Fredericksburg also helped to solidify Lee's reputation as one of the greatest generals in American history. His victory at Fredericksburg was one of his most impressive, and it helped to boost the morale of the Confederate Army.

The city of Fredericksburg was devastated by the Civil War. The battles caused widespread destruction, and many of the city's buildings were burned or damaged. The city's population also declined sharply after the war, as many people moved away to escape the poverty and violence.

In the years after the war, Fredericksburg slowly began to rebuild. The city's economy was revived by the construction of new factories and businesses, and its population began to grow again. Today, Fredericksburg is a thriving city with a rich history. The city is home to a number of historical sites, including the Fredericksburg Battlefield and the Stonewall Jackson Shrine. Fredericksburg is also a popular tourist destination, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Fredericksburg: The Crossroads of the Civil War is a comprehensive history of the city during the American Civil War. The book is written by award-winning historian James M. McPherson, and is based on extensive research from primary sources. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the history of the Civil War or the city of Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg! (Civil War America)

by George C. Rable

4.7 out of 5