Events in 1864

February 24, 1864

Andersonville Prison

Andersonville Prison, operating from February 1864 to May 1865, was one of the most notorious Confederate prisoner-of-war camps during the American Civil War. Originally designed for 10,000 prisoners, it held over 32,000 at its peak, resulting in the deaths of nearly 13,000 Union soldiers due to overcrowding, disease, and malnutrition.

March 18, 1864

Sherman's Appointment as Union Army Commander

General William Tecumseh Sherman was appointed commander of the Military Division of Mississippi, including the Army of Tennessee, marking a crucial turning point in the American Civil War. His appointment led to revolutionary changes in military tactics and strategy.

April 12, 1864

Fort Pillow Massacre

Confederate forces under Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked Fort Pillow in Tennessee, killing hundreds of surrendering Union soldiers, predominantly African American troops. This event became one of the most controversial atrocities of the American Civil War.

May 31, 1864

Battle of Cold Harbor

A devastating Civil War battle fought from May 31 to June 12, 1864, near Mechanicsville, Virginia, resulting in massive Union casualties during Grant's Overland Campaign. The battle marked a significant turning point when Union forces suffered over 12,000 casualties against Confederate defensive positions.

June 9, 1864

Siege of Petersburg

A pivotal 292-day military campaign during the American Civil War where Union forces under Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant besieged Confederate forces under Gen. Robert E. Lee at Petersburg, Virginia, ultimately leading to the Confederate surrender.

July 22, 1864

Battle of Atlanta

A pivotal Civil War battle fought on July 22, 1864, where Union forces under General Sherman defeated Confederate troops led by General Hood, leading to the capture of Atlanta and helping secure President Lincoln's reelection.

August 5, 1864

Battle of Mobile Bay

Union Admiral David Farragut led a decisive naval victory against Confederate forces at Mobile Bay, Alabama, famously ordering 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!' The battle resulted in Union control of the last major Confederate port on the Gulf Coast.

August 7, 1864

Shenandoah Valley Campaign

A pivotal Civil War campaign where Union General Philip Sheridan led 40,000 troops to destroy Confederate forces and resources in the Shenandoah Valley, effectively eliminating a crucial Confederate supply route and base of operations.

September 2, 1864

Fall of Atlanta

Union General William T. Sherman captured Atlanta, a crucial Confederate stronghold, after a four-month military campaign. This victory proved decisive for the Union cause, boosting Northern morale and helping secure President Lincoln's re-election.

November 15, 1864

Sherman's March to the Sea

A devastating 285-mile military campaign during the American Civil War, where Union forces under General Sherman marched from Atlanta to Savannah, implementing total war tactics that targeted both military and civilian infrastructure.

December 15, 1864

Battle of Nashville

The Battle of Nashville (December 15-16, 1864) was a decisive Union victory during the American Civil War. Union forces under Major General George H. Thomas defeated Confederate forces led by General John Bell Hood, effectively destroying the Confederate Army of Tennessee.