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Chancellorsville
The Civil War had entered its third year, and the Army of the Potomac was again on the march. Led by its new commander, "Fighting Joe" Hooker, the 134,000-man Union juggernaut crossed the Rappahannock River beyond Lee's left flank on April 28, 1863, and descended upon a former country inn known as Chancellorsville. Although reduced to just 60,000 men, Lee responded with his accustomed audacity, attacking Hooker here in the gloomy thickets of the Wilderness.
Four days of pitched battle followed, in which Lee outmaneuvered and outfought his opponent, ultimately forcing him to retreat. It was the Southern leader's greatest triumph of the war, but it came at a great cost. On May 10, 1863, his top general, Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, died of wounds received in the battle. Without Jackson to carry out his plans, Lee never again achieved such stunning success.
Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson: This photo was taken just a week before Chancellorsville, his last and greatest battle.
Robert E. Lee: By 1863, much of the Confederacy saw Lee as the best, and perhaps only, hope for Confederate victory.
Joseph Hooker: Chancellorsville was Hooker's only battle as commander of an army.
Chancellorsville was not a village but a house at a strategic crossroads. Frances Chancellor and her six children stayed in the house until May 3, when, at the height of the battle, flames engulfed the home and drove the Chancellors away.
Jackson fell wounded near where the modern visitor center now stands. Follow the driving tour to reach the remainder of Chancellorsville Battlefield. |