Battle of Chancellorsville
Spotsylvania County, Virginia, USA
What happened
The Union Army of the Potomac under Major General Joseph Hooker fought the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee. Hooker secretly moved most of his army across the Rappahannock River, planning to attack Lee from two sides. Although outnumbered, Lee split his army and sent Stonewall Jackson on a surprise march around the Union flank. After days of fighting, Hooker withdrew back across the river.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was one of Lee's greatest victories, won against an army about twice the size of his. But the Confederacy lost Stonewall Jackson, who was wounded by his own men and died on 10 May.
What came next
A month later Lee began the campaign that led to Gettysburg. Lincoln replaced Hooker just before that battle.
Did you know?
The battlefield is protected by the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park, the longest name of any US national park unit.
Timeline
- 30 April 1863The battle begins.
- 2 May 1863Jackson's flank march surprises the Union army.
- 10 May 1863Stonewall Jackson dies.
- 28 June 1863Lincoln removes Hooker from command.
- 14 February 1927The battlefield park is established.