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Battle of Spotsylvania Court House facts for kids

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Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
Part of the American Civil War
Battle of Spottsylvania by Thure de Thulstrup.jpg
Battle of Spottsylvania, Thure de Thulstrup
Date May 9–21, 1864
Location
Spotsylvania County, Virginia
38°13′27″N 77°35′53″W / 38.2242°N 77.5981°W / 38.2242; -77.5981
Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
United States Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Ulysses Grant
George Meade		 Robert Lee
Units involved
Army of the Potomac
IX Corps		 Army of Northern Virginia
Strength
100,000–110,000 50,000–63,000
Casualties and losses
2,725 killed
13,416 wounded
2,258 captured or missing		 1,515 killed
5,414 wounded
5,758 captured or missing

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House was a major fight during the American Civil War. It happened from May 8 to May 21, 1864. This battle was part of a larger plan called the Overland Campaign.

After a tough fight at the Battle of the Wilderness, Union General Ulysses S. Grant wanted to move his army south. His goal was to get between the Confederate army and their capital city, Richmond, Virginia. To do this, the Union army needed to capture a key area called Spotsylvania Court House. This place had important crossroads. However, Confederate cavalry got there first, followed by their main army.

What Happened at Spotsylvania?

The Confederate army built strong defenses. Part of their battle line curved outward, looking like a horseshoe. Soldiers soon called this area the "Mule Shoe."

The Attack on the Mule Shoe

On May 12, General Grant ordered a huge attack on the Mule Shoe. Thousands of Union soldiers charged forward. They managed to break through part of the Confederate line. But Confederate General Robert E. Lee quickly sent more troops to fight back. The battle at the Mule Shoe was incredibly fierce and lasted all day long.

The fighting continued for several more days. By May 21, General Grant realized he couldn't defeat Lee's army at Spotsylvania. So, he decided to move his Union army further south.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The Union Army

The Union forces were led by General Ulysses S. Grant and General George Meade. Their main army was called the Army of the Potomac.

Important Union Commanders

Around May 7, the Union army had about 100,000 to 110,000 soldiers.

The Confederate Army

The Confederate forces were led by General Robert E. Lee. His army was known as the Army of Northern Virginia.

Confederate Commanders

General Lee's Confederate army had about 50,000 to 63,000 soldiers.

Interesting Facts About the Battle

SpotsylvaniaCourthouse1864p53crop
Spotsylvania Courthouse, 1864
  • Five generals were killed during this battle.
  • This was the first time that the two main generals, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, fought directly against each other.
  • The weather was bad throughout the battle, with fog, mist, and rain.
  • About 32,000 soldiers were either killed, wounded, or went missing.
  • The fighting was so intense that an oak tree, almost two feet wide, was completely cut down by rifle bullets.


Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Batalla de Spotsylvania para niños

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