15 Interesting Facts About the Battle of Spotsylvania

Introduction:

The Battle of Spotsylvania was fought from May 8-21, 1864, and was part of the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War. This bloody conflict was some of the most intense of the entire war, and saw a total of approximately 70,000 casualties over just these two weeks. It’s a battle that had great historical importance, and in 2020, we are marking its 156th anniversary. In honor of this important event, let’s take a look at 15 interesting facts about the Battle of Spotsylvania.

Fact 1: The Battle of Spotsylvania Was a Turning Point for the Union Army

The Battle of Spotsylvania was fought as part of the Union Army’s Overland Campaign. This campaign saw the Union Force attempt to attack the Confederate capitol of Richmond, Virginia. The Battle of Spotsylvania was a major turning point for the Union Army, as it marked the change from offensive to defensive tactics for the Union force. This shift in strategy was a major turning point, as it allowed the Union to hold off defeat for the remaining months of the war and ultimately lead to the ultimate victory for the Union forces.

Fact 2: Grant vs. Lee

The Battle of Spotsylvania was fought between two of the most renowned generals of the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant, and Robert E. Lee. Grant commanded the Union forces and was ultimately responsible for driving the Confederate forces from the Battle of Spotsylvania. Robert E. Lee was a brilliant tactician and officer and was one of the reasons why the Confederate forces were able to hold out for the duration of the conflict.

Fact 3: The ‘Mule Shoe’

One of the major events of the Battle of Spotsylvania was the introduction of the ‘Mule Shoe’, an entrenched battery position developed by Robert E. Lee. This position was an attack point defended by trenches, artillery, and infantrymen. Lee believed this defensive position to be the key to success in the Battle of Spotsylvania, and it ultimately allowed the Confederate forces to hold off the Union attack for some time.

Fact 4: The Overland Campaign Marked the Beginning of the End for the Confederacy

The Overland Campaign marks the first large-scale engagement of the U.S. Civil War, and it is one of the marks for the beginning of the end for the Confederate forces. Despite the impressive defense held by the Confederate forces at the Battle of Spotsylvania, the Union forces were able to use its superior numbers and resources to eventually wear down the Confederate lines.

Fact 5: The Cedar Mountain Massacre Preceded the Battle of Spotsylvania

Before the Battle of Spotsylvania commenced, the Confederate army had already experienced a devastating defeat at the Cedar Mountain Massacre, which took place in Rappahannock County, Virginia. This battle saw the Union force threatening to surround the Confederate army, so the Confederate army had to retreat from the area. This retreat left the northernmost part of the Confederate army to be vulnerable and ripe for attack from the Union forces.

Fact 6: Some Men Were Awarded Medals of Honor

Various men from both the Union and Confederate forces were awarded medals of honor for their bravery and action during the Battle of Spotsylvania. These accolades were provided for distinguished acts of heroism and courage displayed by the men as they defended their lines against the overwhelming forces of the Union army. For example, Lieutenant Hugh Robert Kelly from the Union army was awarded the Medal of Honor for helping lead a successful bayonet attack against a Confederate battery position.

Fact 7: The ‘Bloody Angle’

One of the most horrific events of the Battle of Spotsylvania was the “Bloody Angle”. This was a prolonged fight between the Union and Confederate forces that stretched along a portion of the entrenchments. This fight was so intense that the slaughter was visible even from a distance. Eventually, the Union forces were able to break through the line, but it was estimated that over 10,000 casualties occurred in this direct confrontation.

Fact 8: It Was One of the Bloodiest Civil War Battles

The Battle of Spotsylvania was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. It saw over 60,000 men from both sides wounded or killed, making it one of the deadliest battles in American history.

Fact 9: It Helped Establish the Total War Strategy

The Union forces used a tactic called Total War to move their forces through Virginia. This strategy meant that the Union army would attack not only direct enemies, but also infrastructure, civilian areas, and anything else that could help the Confederate forces gain an advantage. This strategy caused a lot of collateral damage and destruction of property, but was ultimately capable of breaking through the Confederate defense at the Battle of Spotsylvania.

Fact 10: The Battle Engaged Over 132,000 Men

The Battle of Spotsylvania engaged over 132,000 men from both sides. This meant that the fighting along the Confederate trenches and entrenchment lines truly was intense, and accounts from the time talk about how vicious and bloody the engagements were.

Fact 11: Its Significance Today

The Battle of Spotsylvania has its significance today, as well. It serves as a point of study for battlefield tactics, and as a way to remember the carnage and tragedy that resulted from these engagements.

Fact 12: It Can Take Days For a Battle To Unfold

The Battle of Spotsylvania lasted from May 8-21, a duration of 13 days. This shows that it can take a very long time for a battle to unfold and for a side to gain an advantage. Each day saw both sides engage in bitter fighting, and it took the Union forces 13 days to eventually capture the ‘Mule Shoe’ entrenched position.

Fact 13: It Was A Tactical Victory For The Union Army

The Union forces were ultimately able to break through the Confederate defense lines and force a retreat of the Confederate army. This was a tactical victory for the Union forces, and it was a major step towards the ultimate victory of the Union army near the end of the Civil War.

Fact 14: There Were Subsequent Battles After Spotsylvania

After the Battle of Spotsylvania, there were several subsequent battles in the Eastern theater, such as the Battle of the Wilderness and the Battle of Cold Harbor. These battles would ultimately lead to the ultimate victory of the Union army.

Fact 15: The Battle of Spotsylvania Commemorative Park

The consequences of the Battle of Spotsylvania were far-reaching, and to commemorate the anniversary, the battlefield was turned into a national park which can be visited today. This includes the ‘Mule Shoe’, which is still preserved and is a reminder of the intensity of the battle that took place there.

Conclusion

It has been 156 years since the Battle of Spotsylvania began, yet its importance and significance still resonate today. It stands as a reminder of the bravery and ultimate victory of the Union forces, and of the destruction and tragedy caused by war. We hope that we have highlighted some of the more interesting facts about this momentous battle, and that we have been able to bring it to life even more than before.