A significant Civil War battle fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Confederate General Robert E. Lee achieved a remarkable victory against Union forces despite being outnumbered more than two to one, though the victory was overshadowed by the loss of Stonewall Jackson.
The Battle of Chancellorsville stands as one of the most significant conflicts of the American Civil War taking place from April 30 to May 6 1863. This crucial engagement between Union and Confederate forces unfolded in Spotsylvania County Virginia near the village of Chancellorsville.
What makes this battle particularly noteworthy was Confederate General Robert E. Lee's bold decision to divide his army despite being heavily outnumbered by Union forces. The battle's outcome would prove to be both a remarkable victory for the Confederacy and a devastating loss as it claimed the life of legendary commander Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. This pivotal moment in Civil War history demonstrated the tactical brilliance of Confederate leadership while highlighting the costly nature of military success during America's bloodiest conflict.
The Opening Moves: April 27-30, 1863
#Union General Joseph Hooker initiated the Chancellorsville Campaign on April 27, 1863, deploying 130,000 troops in a strategic maneuver against Confederate forces. The operation aimed to outflank Robert E. Lee's 60,000-strong Army of Northern Virginia positioned near Fredericksburg.
Union Army's Initial River Crossings
#The Union forces executed a complex crossing operation across three key points of the Rappahannock River on April 28-29. Major General John Sedgwick's forces crossed at Franklin's Crossing below Fredericksburg while Major General Henry Slocum's troops traversed at Kelly's Ford. The cavalry units under Major General George Stoneman moved across at Raccoon Ford to conduct raids behind Confederate lines.
| Crossing Point | Union Commander | Number of Troops |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin's Crossing | Maj. Gen. Sedgwick | 40,000 |
| Kelly's Ford | Maj. Gen. Slocum | 42,000 |
| Raccoon Ford | Maj. Gen. Stoneman | 10,000 |
Confederate Defensive Positions
#The Confederate Army maintained defensive lines along strategic heights:
- Positioned artillery batteries on Marye's Heights overlooking Fredericksburg
- Established infantry divisions along the Rappahannock River banks
- Deployed cavalry scouts under J.E.B. Stuart to monitor Union movements
- Created fortified positions at Banks Ford connecting to Mine Road
- Stationed reserves near Hamilton's Crossing to respond to Union advances
Lee's forces concentrated their defenses at these key points despite being outnumbered 2-to-1 by Union forces. Early's Division held Fredericksburg while Anderson's Division guarded the river crossings upriver at United States Ford.
Major Combat Operations: May 1-3, 1863
#The Battle of Chancellorsville's decisive operations unfolded across three intense days of combat. These engagements demonstrated the tactical complexity of Civil War battlefield maneuvers through multiple coordinated attacks.
First Day Engagements
#On May 1, Union forces advanced eastward from Chancellorsville toward Fredericksburg in three columns. Confederate infantry met the Federal troops in dense woodland near the intersection of the Orange Turnpike at 11:00 AM. Union General Hooker ordered his advancing columns to retreat to defensive positions around Chancellorsville after encountering stiff resistance from Confederate forces under Anderson's division.
Jackson's Famous Flank Attack
#Confederate General Stonewall Jackson executed a daring 12-mile march with 28,000 troops on May 2. Jackson's forces struck the exposed Union right flank held by the XI Corps at 5:15 PM. The surprise attack routed 11,000 Union soldiers under General Howard forcing them to abandon their positions along the Plank Road. Jackson's success came at a devastating cost when Confederate troops accidentally shot him during a night reconnaissance mission.
Fighting at Hazel Grove
#On May 3, Confederate artillery positioned at Hazel Grove unleashed concentrated fire on Union positions starting at dawn. Union forces abandoned this strategic high ground under pressure from Confederate infantry attacks. General J.E.B. Stuart, who assumed command after Jackson's wounding, coordinated a synchronized assault that pushed Union forces back to a defensive line near the Chancellorsville crossroads.
| Date | Key Events | Casualties |
|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Union advance & retreat | 2,000 combined |
| May 2 | Jackson's flank attack | 8,000 Union, 3,000 Confederate |
| May 3 | Hazel Grove artillery duel | 9,000 Union, 4,000 Confederate |
Final Days of Battle: May 4-6, 1863
#The Battle of Chancellorsville reached its conclusion during May 4-6, 1863, as Union forces executed a full withdrawal across the Rappahannock River. These final days marked the end of one of the Civil War's most significant engagements.
Union Army Retreat
#On May 4, Major General Joseph Hooker ordered a complete withdrawal of Union forces under the cover of darkness. The Army of the Potomac crossed the Rappahannock River at U.S. Ford, moving 90,000 troops through mud-filled roads during a heavy rainstorm. Major General John Sedgwick's VI Corps conducted a separate retreat at Banks' Ford, having faced intense pressure from Confederate forces under Major General Jubal Early.
Confederate Victory Secured
#Confederate forces secured their victory on May 6, 1863, with the following results:
| Battle Statistics | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Union Casualties | 17,197 |
| Confederate Casualties | 13,303 |
| Union Troops Engaged | 130,000 |
| Confederate Troops Engaged | 60,000 |
The Confederate Army achieved this victory despite being outnumbered by:
-
Capturing 7,500 Union prisoners
-
Securing 13 artillery pieces
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Taking control of 17 battle flags
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Maintaining possession of strategically vital ground around Fredericksburg
-
The loss of Lieutenant General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
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22% casualties among senior officers
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Depletion of irreplaceable veteran soldiers
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Expenditure of critical ammunition supplies
Key Military Leaders and Their Strategies
#The Battle of Chancellorsville featured contrasting military strategies between Union General Joseph Hooker and Confederate General Robert E. Lee, highlighting their distinct approaches to battlefield command.
General Joseph Hooker's Campaign Plan
#General Hooker implemented a multi-pronged attack strategy, dividing his Army of the Potomac into three sections. His plan centered on a flanking movement with 70,000 troops crossing the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford, while 40,000 troops under General John Sedgwick demonstrated at Fredericksburg. The remaining 10,000 cavalry troops, led by General George Stoneman, launched raids on Confederate supply lines. Hooker positioned his forces in a defensive line at Chancellorsville on April 30, 1863, establishing artillery positions at Hazel Grove, Fairview Cemetery, and Chandler's Farm.
| Hooker's Force Distribution | Number of Troops | Commander |
|---|---|---|
| Main Flanking Force | 70,000 | Hooker |
| Fredericksburg Front | 40,000 | Sedgwick |
| Cavalry Raids | 10,000 | Stoneman |
- Dividing his army into two wings, keeping 15,000 troops under General Jubal Early at Fredericksburg
- Deploying 45,000 soldiers westward to confront Hooker's main force
- Organizing a daring 12-mile flanking march with General Jackson's corps
- Positioning artillery units on strategic heights to command key approaches
| Lee's Force Distribution | Number of Troops | Commander |
|---|---|---|
| Fredericksburg Defense | 15,000 | Early |
| Main Combat Force | 45,000 | Lee |
| Flanking Force | 30,000 | Jackson |
Battle Impact and Historical Significance
#The Battle of Chancellorsville reshaped military tactics in the American Civil War through its demonstration of bold flanking maneuvers and the high cost of victory. The battle's ramifications extended beyond immediate casualties to influence subsequent military campaigns and leadership dynamics.
Confederate Casualties and Loss of Jackson
#The Confederate Army's victory at Chancellorsville came with devastating losses. The death of Lieutenant General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson on May 10, 1863, from pneumonia following his battlefield wound, created an irreplaceable leadership void in the Confederate command structure. The Confederate forces lost 13,303 men, including 1,724 killed, 9,233 wounded, and 2,346 missing. The casualty rate among senior officers reached 22%, severely impacting the Confederate Army's command capabilities for future operations.
| Confederate Losses | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Casualties | 13,303 |
| Killed | 1,724 |
| Wounded | 9,233 |
| Missing | 2,346 |
| Senior Officer Casualty Rate | 22% |
Union Army Morale Effects
#The defeat at Chancellorsville demoralized Union troops and eroded confidence in leadership. The Army of the Potomac's losses totaled 17,197 soldiers, including 1,606 killed, 9,672 wounded, and 5,919 missing or captured. The retreat across the Rappahannock River damaged unit cohesion, leading to increased desertion rates in May 1863. Major General Joseph Hooker's reputation suffered significantly, contributing to his replacement by General George Meade before the Battle of Gettysburg.
| Union Losses | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Casualties | 17,197 |
| Killed | 1,606 |
| Wounded | 9,672 |
| Missing/Captured | 5,919 |
Key Takeaways
#- The Battle of Chancellorsville took place from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
- Union General Joseph Hooker commanded 130,000 troops against Confederate General Robert E. Lee's smaller force of 60,000 soldiers
- Confederate forces achieved victory through Lee's bold strategy of dividing his army and "Stonewall" Jackson's successful flank attack on May 2
- The battle resulted in heavy casualties: 17,197 Union and 13,303 Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing
- The Confederate victory was bittersweet due to the loss of General "Stonewall" Jackson, who was accidentally shot by his own troops and died on May 10
Conclusion
#The Battle of Chancellorsville stands as a testament to the complex nature of Civil War military strategy. From April 30 to May 6 1863 both armies demonstrated remarkable tactical prowess yet faced devastating losses. While the Confederates secured a victory through bold maneuvers and innovative tactics the cost was immense.
The battle's outcome proved that superior numbers don't always guarantee success on the battlefield. This pivotal engagement reshaped military thinking and left an indelible mark on American history through its demonstration of tactical innovation and the heavy price of victory during the Civil War.