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MILITARY operations west of the Alleghenies were motivated, in the main, by a twofold purpose. One sought the great advantages that would come with complete control of the Mississippi and its navigable tributaries. The first conspicuous step in this effort was made by Grant in his reduction of Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River, February 16, 1862. Fort Donelson's fall was followed by Grant's victory at Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, on the lower Tennessee River, April 7, 1862. The capitulation of Vicksburg to Grant on July 4, 1863, brought actual control of the western waterways to the Federal forces.

The other purpose was to push down the corridor of East Tennessee. The stubborn fight at Stones River, Tenn., December 31, 1862, was followed by a delay of 5 months in the long deferred thrust through the mountains. In June, however, the Federal general, Rosecrans, put his forces in motion. During September he crossed the upper Tennessee. At Chickamauga Creek he encountered a severe defeat and retreated to Chattanooga, where he was virtually besieged by the victorious Confederates under Bragg. Invested at this critical juncture with command of the Federal armies west of the Alleghenies, Grant quickly effected a powerful concentration at Chattanooga and on November 23, 24, and 25, decisively defeated Bragg. This stroke opened Georgia to invasion. Grant's veterans of the West, now commanded by Sherman, pushed past the Confederates at Kennesaw Mountain to begin their devastating march to the sea.

Fort Donelson National Military Park, Tennessee

Shiloh National Military Park, Tennessee

Stones River National Military Park, Tennessee

Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Georgia-Tennessee

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Georgia

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site, Mississippi

Tupelo National Battlefield Site, Mississippi

Last Modified: Thurs, Nov 23 2000 10:00:00 pm PDT
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