Battle of Albuquerque facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Albuquerque
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Date April 8, 1862 (1862-04-08)–April 9, 1862 (1862-04-09) Location Albuquerque, New Mexico Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States of America	Confederate States of America
Commanders and leaders
Edward R. S. Canby	Henry Hopkins Sibley
Strength
~1,150	~850
Casualties and losses
1 killed Unknown wounded	None

The Battle of Albuquerque was a small but important event during the American Civil War in April 1862. It involved soldiers from the Confederate Army, led by Henry Hopkins Sibley, and the Union Army, led by Edward Canby. This battle took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as part of the larger Trans-Mississippi Theater of the war.

The Battle of Albuquerque: A Strategic Skirmish

This section explains the events of the Battle of Albuquerque. It was not a huge fight, but it was important for both sides. The battle showed how the Union Army tried to stop the Confederates.

Confederate Retreat and Union Advance

After a major battle at Glorieta Pass, the Confederate forces were leaving New Mexico Territory. On April 8, 1862, General Sibley's Confederate troops entered Albuquerque again. They were heading southeast, trying to get back to Texas.

Meanwhile, Colonel Canby moved his Union army from Fort Craig. His goal was to find out how strong the Confederates were in Albuquerque. He wanted to know if they were ready to fight or if they were just passing through.

Artillery Fire and Civilian Safety

Canby's artillery (big cannons) started firing from the edge of town. They fired for two days. The Union soldiers stopped firing when a local person told Canby something important. The Confederates were not letting the people in town go to a safe place. Canby did not want to hurt innocent civilians.

Canby felt he had done what he needed to do. He knew the Confederates were still ready to put up a fight. The Union's show of force also had another effect. Colonel Tom Green, a Confederate leader, quickly left Santa Fe. He moved to help Sibley, hoping to attack the Union forces the next morning.

Union's Secret Departure and Confederate Withdrawal

Under the cover of darkness, Canby's Union forces quietly left Albuquerque. The Confederate soldiers did not even know they were gone. Canby did not have enough soldiers to capture a large Confederate force. He hoped the Confederates would gather all their troops together. Then, they would leave New Mexico as one big group.

The Confederates did leave Albuquerque a few days later, on April 12. Sibley left behind his sick and wounded soldiers. He also buried eight mountain howitzers (small cannons) near the edge of town. This battle was a Union victory because the Confederates left the area.