Curated playlist
Battles of the western theater of the American Civil War
- Battle of Island Number TenConfederate defenders on Island Number Ten had dozens of guns but only one road out. Cutting it would doom the garrison.
- Battle of Stones RiverHours before the Battle of Stones River, Union and Confederate bands joined in one song.
- Battle of West PointThe Battle of West Point was fought seven days after Lee surrendered at Appomattox. News had not reached everyone.
- Battle of Fort HenryFort Henry surrendered to a fleet in 1862 while its gates were underwater. The Confederates left by small boat.
- Battle of PerryvilleThe Battle of Perryville began over a few algae-covered puddles in a dried-up creek. Both armies badly needed the water.
- Battle of ChickamaugaThe Battle of Chickamauga began when Union soldiers went looking for water. It grew into two days of fighting.
- Battle of Fort DonelsonUlysses S. Grant demanded unconditional and immediate surrender at Fort Donelson in 1862.
- Battle of NashvilleAt Nashville in December 1864, Union troops routed John Bell Hood's Confederate army in two days.
- First Battle of MemphisAt the First Battle of Memphis, no Confederate ship captain held military rank. They were river traders.
- Battle of ShilohThe Battle of Shiloh began when a junior officer disobeyed orders at midnight. His scouts partly spoiled the surprise.
- Battle of FranklinAt the Battle of Franklin, fourteen Confederate generals fell in a few hours. Five died on the field in 1864.
- Battle of RichmondA hidden ravine let Confederates flank Union troops at the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky. Union losses were 5,353.