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Grant Becomes Commander of All Union Forces
Grant also become the leader of all Union forces. -
New Orders From Lincoln
Lincoln and Grant come up with a plan called the Overland Campaign. It's main objective is to destroy General Lee's forces. -
Lee Anticipates Union Attacks
Lee meets with his generals and tries to devise a plan on how to best defend against the Union offensive. -
Grant Moves Out
The Army of the Potomac crosses the Rapidan River into the Virgina wilderness where they had fought with Stonewall Jackson's forces just a year before. -
Warrren's V Corps. Encounters Confederate Forces
Although Grant had ordered Warren to attack General Lee's armies without hesitation, Warren delays the attack and gives the Confederate forces time to set up defences. -
Armies Form Up
Some skirmishes along Orange Plank Road occur but there is no real fighting yet. A party of Union Soldiers accidentally stimble upon Confederate generals, but they are able to escape. Warren sets up headquarters in a mansion. -
Wadsworth Sets up on the Flank
Union forces take control of the major intersection along the Plank Road. -
Confederates Attack
Fighting starts just before 5:00 am. -
Union Counterattacks
The confederates try to find a way to flank union forces and find a railroad that will lead them up the unions left side. -
Longstreet Is Killed By Friendly Fire
Confusion spreads across confederate lines and when General Longstreet and other mounted confederates approach, they are mistaken for enemy troops and are fired upon. -
Union Lines Collapse
Union Lines Collapse in some areas and there is fear of what Lee will do next. Fighting continues untill dark, -
Grant Moves
Instead of a direct attack, Grant tries to manouver around. He inly meets more Confederate defences. He and Lee eventually fight at Spotslyvania Corthouse. -
Effects of the Battle
Depending on how you veiw it, it could be described as a marginal victory for either side, but the battle is ussually considered a draw. Lee inflicted heavy casualties on Grants forces, although both sides lost high numbers. The overland campaign, starting with this battle, led to the eventual destruction of Lee's army, the Northern Virginia.
