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Embattled Capital 1861-65
Located on the James River, only 110 miles from the Federal capital of
Washington, Richmond was a symbol and prime psychological target throughout
the Civil War. If the city were captured, southerners might lose their will
to resist -- so reasoned leaders on both sides.
Let these pages be your introduction to Richmond National Battlefield Park.
Winter of '65
The cold winter of 1864-65 witnessed the final collapse of Confederate power
and morale. While the amply supplied Union army waited for spring to launch
a final attack, Robert E. Lee's veterans starved and sickened in their
trenches. Food and equipment were so scarce that the men were reduced to
quarter rations, and the horses were so weakened they could no longer pull
the cannon. The renowned fighting spirit of the Southern soldiers faded
into the snow and slush.
Meanwhile, Richmonders held "starvation parties" with dancing but no
refreshments, and sold their clothes, jewelry, and anything else they had
for food. They got married in great numbers that winter, perhaps thinking
romance might stave off despair and impending oblivion.
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