July 4, 1863: Turning Point Of The American Civil War
People consider July 4, 1863 to be the turning point of the American Civil War. Two important, famous, well-documented battles resulted in Confederate defeats: the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, and the Fall of Vicksburg, July 4. But, two other major, not as known events resulted in two additional Confederate defeats. Both losses, one in Tennessee and one in Arkansas.
In Tennessee, William S. Rosecrans, leading the U.S. Army of the Cumberland, faced Braxton Bragg's Confederate Army. In May 1863, the federal government was scared that Bragg might send reinforcements to Vicksburg. To make sure that this wouldn't happen, Rosecrans was ordered to begin an offensive in an attempt to tie down Confederate troops. In late June, Rosecrans
In Tennessee, William S. Rosecrans, leading the U.S. Army of the Cumberland, faced Braxton Bragg's Confederate Army. In May 1863, the federal government was scared that Bragg might send reinforcements to Vicksburg. To make sure that this wouldn't happen, Rosecrans was ordered to begin an offensive in an attempt to tie down Confederate troops. In late June, Rosecrans