Battle of Fredericksburg
Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg, Virginia
What happened
Union General Ambrose Burnside attacked the Confederate army of General Robert E. Lee, with James Longstreet's troops holding the heights behind the town. Burnside planned to cross the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and race to Richmond, but the boats for his floating bridges arrived late, giving Lee time to block him. Union troops crossed under fire and fought through the town. On December 13 they made attack after attack against Confederate soldiers behind a stone wall on Marye's Heights, but none succeeded, and two days later Burnside withdrew.
Why it matters
Result: Confederate victory. Leaders: Ambrose Burnside against Robert E. Lee. Why it matters: It was a heavy defeat for the Union, and Burnside was removed from command soon after.
What came next
In January 1863 Burnside's next advance bogged down in winter rain and mud, known as the 'Mud March'. Lincoln replaced him with General Joseph Hooker.
Did you know?
The word 'sideburns' comes from Ambrose Burnside's name, because of his distinctive whiskers.
Timeline
- December 11, 1862Union troops cross the Rappahannock under fire.
- December 13, 1862Union attacks on Marye's Heights fail.
- January 1863The 'Mud March' fails.