History That Doesn't Suck 67: Ending 1864: The Battles of the Crater, Mobile Bay, Centralia, and Franklin
Jun 22, 2020
In the closing months of 1864, battles across the nation take center stage with unique strategies. Pennsylvania miners dig tunnels to surprise Confederate forces, while Admiral Farragut leads a daring naval assault in Mobile Bay. The chaos of guerrilla warfare unfolds in Missouri, highlighting the brutal tactics of 'Bloody Bill' Anderson. Meanwhile, General Hood's bold but disastrous maneuvers in Tennessee set the stage for a dramatic shift in the conflict. It's a whirlwind of innovation, violence, and pivotal moments.
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The Battle of the Crater
- The 48th Pennsylvania dug a 586-foot tunnel under Confederate lines at Petersburg.
- The resulting explosion, the Battle of the Crater, killed hundreds but poor planning led to heavy Union losses.
Farragut's Daring Attack on Mobile Bay
- Admiral David Farragut, a Southerner loyal to the Union, targeted Mobile Bay, the last major Confederate port in the Gulf.
- Despite torpedoes and heavy fire, he led a daring naval assault, famously saying "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!"
Hood's Tennessee Campaign
- Confederate General John Bell Hood led a daring but ultimately disastrous campaign in Tennessee in late 1864.
- He suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Franklin and was decisively defeated at Nashville.