Battle of Valverde facts for kids
The Battle of Valverde was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on February 20-21, 1862, near a town called Valverde in New Mexico. This town was important because it had a place to cross the Rio Grande river. At that time, this area was part of what was called Confederate Arizona. This battle was a big win for the Southern states in their plan to control New Mexico. Soldiers from Texas and Arizona, called Confederates, fought against Union soldiers and volunteers from New Mexico and Colorado. A famous leader named Kit Carson led some of the Union soldiers.
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What Was the Battle of Valverde?
The Battle of Valverde was a key part of the New Mexico campaign. This was a plan by the Confederate states to take over the New Mexico Territory. They wanted to control the Rio Grande river and perhaps even reach California. The battle took place at a "ford," which is a shallow place where a river can be crossed. This ford was very important for moving troops and supplies.
Why Was This Battle Important?
This battle was a big victory for the Confederates. It allowed them to continue their push north into New Mexico. They hoped to capture important Union forts and cities. For the Union, it was a tough loss. It showed them how strong the Confederate forces were in the area.
Who Fought in the Battle?
The battle involved soldiers from both sides of the American Civil War.
- Confederate Forces: These were mainly cavalry (soldiers on horseback) from Texas. They were led by Brigadier General Henry Hopkins Sibley. They also had some local Arizona militia (citizen soldiers).
- Union Forces: These were made up of regular soldiers and volunteers. Many volunteers came from northern New Mexico and Colorado. Colonel Kit Carson was a well-known leader. He commanded the 1st New Mexico (Union) Infantry.
The Confederate Plan
General Sibley's plan was to capture Fort Craig, a strong Union fort. He wanted to cut off Union supplies and force them to surrender. He decided to march his troops around the fort to the east. His goal was to cross the Rio Grande at Valverde. This would put his army between Fort Craig and the Union capital, Santa Fe.
The Union's Defense
The Union forces at Fort Craig were led by Colonel Edward Canby. He knew the Confederates were trying to get around him. He sent out patrols to watch their movements. When he saw them heading for Valverde, he knew he had to stop them.
What Happened During the Battle?
The battle lasted for two days, with the main fighting on the second day.
The First Day: Skirmishes
On February 20, 1862, both armies moved into position. Confederate soldiers tried to cross the Rio Grande. Union troops fired at them to stop them. There were small fights, called skirmishes, throughout the day. Neither side gained a major advantage.
The Main Fight: February 21
The real battle began on February 21. Union soldiers crossed the river early in the morning. They set up their cannons on a low hill. The Confederates also moved their cannons into place. The fighting was fierce, with both sides exchanging cannon fire and rifle shots.
The Confederates tried to attack the Union's left side. They charged forward, but the Union soldiers held their ground. Later, the Confederates made a strong attack on the Union's cannons. They managed to capture some of the Union artillery. This was a turning point in the battle.
What Was the Outcome?
The Confederates won the Battle of Valverde. The Union forces had to retreat back to Fort Craig. They had lost many soldiers and some important cannons. The Confederate victory opened the way for them to continue their march north.
After the Battle
Even though the Confederates won, they did not capture Fort Craig. The fort was too strong. They continued their campaign, capturing Albuquerque and Santa Fe. However, their supply lines were stretched thin. They faced more Union resistance later in the campaign. The Battle of Valverde was a significant early success for the Confederates in New Mexico.
Images for kids
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Map of Valverde Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program
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Scene of the old battleground of Valverde, on the Rio Grande, as it looked in 1885
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Soldiers sketch of the Battle of Valverde
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Val Verde Battery, CSA cannon
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