In Virginia, the movement of both Grant’s Union Army of the Potomac and Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia resembled a chess match but one which featured massive human carnage. Grant’s forces were moving on Richmond from the north and east, while Lee’s army was constantly moving to keep itself positioned between Richmond and Grant. By Sunday, May 22, 1864, with Grant’s forces approaching the North Anna River, two corps of Lee’s army arrived at Hanover Junction, beating Grant into position and staying in front of him, but Richmond was now much closer to both armies than any time since June of 1862 when McClellan threatened Richmond. It was abundantly clear to Lee that Grant intended to drive to Richmond. The Confederate flank could not be turned, or Richmond would be lost.
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.