Battle of Lynchburg
Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
What happened
David Hunter's Union army fought Confederates under Jubal Early and John C. Breckinridge. Hunter's army marched toward Lynchburg, an important Confederate supply center. Early's troops arrived by train on 17 June, and over two days Hunter could not break through the city's defenses. On the evening of 18 June, short on supplies, Hunter decided to retreat.
Why it matters
Lynchburg had three railroads, a canal to Richmond, hospitals and stores of food. It remained the only major city in Virginia not recaptured by Union forces during the war.
What came next
Hunter retreated into West Virginia, leaving the Shenandoah Valley open, and Early marched north to threaten Washington, D.C.
Did you know?
From 6 to 10 April 1865, Lynchburg served as Virginia's capital after the Confederate government left Richmond.
Timeline
- 17 Jun 1864Early's troops arrive in Lynchburg by train.
- 18 Jun 1864Hunter decides to retreat.
- 11–12 Jul 1864Battle of Fort Stevens near Washington.
- 12 Apr 1865Lynchburg surrenders to Union General Ranald S. Mackenzie.