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00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.

This Week in the Civil War - 619

By Monday, July 20, 1863 maneuvering continued between George Meade’s Federal army and Robert E. Lee’s forces.  Meade’s army moved southward after crossing the Potomac into Virginia, attempting to block the passes in the Blue Ridge Mountains thus leaving Lee’s army in a vulnerable position and placing Meade closer to Richmond than Lee. 

From the 21st through the 23rd of July, skirmishing occurred at Manassas Gap, Chester Gap, Gaines’ Cross Roads, and other mountain passes.  However, successful delaying tactics slowed the Union advances and allowed the Confederates to move swiftly through the Luray Valley of the Shenandoah to a secure position near Culpeper Court House, below the Rappahannock River.

Lee had returned to the security of Virginia to the topography which he best understood to continue the Southern war effort.