Location: Spotsylvania County, VA Apr 30, 1863 – May 6, 1863
Result: Confederate victory
Chancellorsville is the fourth-costliest land battle of the American Civil War (30,500 casualties)
widely considered to be Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's greatest victory during the American Civil War. When Lee once again split his forces and attacked, Hooker was forced to retreat across the Rappahannock River.
Hookers plan
Hooker advanced from Chancellorsville toward Lee, but the Confederate general split his army in the face of superior numbers, leaving a small force at Fredericksburg to deter Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick from advancing, while he attacked Hooker's advance with about four-fifths of his army.
Hooker elected not to counterattack and instead ordered a retreat back across the Rappahannock River in order to shield Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
Hooker advanced from Chancellorsville toward Lee, but the Confederate general split his army in the face of superior numbers, leaving a small force at Fredericksburg to deter Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick from advancing, while he attacked Hooker's advance with about four-fifths of his army.
Hooker elected not to counterattack and instead ordered a retreat back across the Rappahannock River in order to shield Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
The Confederates resumed the offensive on May 3, forcing Hooker’s army into a defensive posture near the fords that were their only means of retreat. Meanwhile, Lee received word that the Federals had crossed the Rappahannock and were advancing on him from the east. Splitting his army yet again, he met and defeated this new threat near Salem Church. Stonewall Jackson’s flank attack
What happened to Stonewall
Jackson, riding out with his staff to reconnoiter in preparation for the next day’s battle, was wounded by his own men. He would die several days later, following amputation of his left arm.
Jackson, riding out with his staff to reconnoiter in preparation for the next day’s battle, was wounded by his own men. He would die several days later, following amputation of his left arm.
Union
- Commanders
- Joseph Hooker
- Joseph Hooker
- Forces engaged
- 97,382
- 97,382
- Total estimated casualties
- 17,304
- Killed 1,690
- Wounded 9,672
- Missing/Captured 5,938
- 17,304