Civil War

This Week in the Civil War

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 - 775

Texas Public Radio | By Texas Public Radio

Published February 26, 2014 at 3:28 PM CST

On Sunday, February 28, 1864 a Union force of approximately 3500 cavalry under General Judson Kilpatrick left the Rapidan River, intent on raiding Richmond, Virginia and releasing Federal prisoners.

As a diversionary tactic, General George Armstrong Custer began a raid into Albemarle County, Virginia which would last for some four days. On the 29^th Kilpatrick would split his command, assigning 500 cavalry to Colonel Ulric Dahlgren while the bulk of his command would stay with him.

By the evening of that same day Confederate authorities in Richmond learned of the impending raid and began to take steps to resist. Kilpatrick’s raid was doomed to failure despite penetrating to within approximately two miles of Richmond. Two days of skirmishing with Confederate forces had given Richmond time to defend itself against Kilpatrick’s raid.