General Gordon Granger: The Savior of Chickamauga and the Man Behind "Juneteenth"

The first full-length biography of Civil War general George H. Thomas reveals his pivotal role in the Union army's survival at Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Mobile campaigns. His actions sparked Juneteenth celebrations of slavery's end and his artillery platform at Franklin played a significant role in the Confederate army's defeat in the west. Despite his early fame, Granger struggled with command and was eventually relegated to land operations against Confederate forts in Mobile, Alabama.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

The Battle of Chickamauga was a pivotal moment in the Civil War, and the actions of General George H. Thomas were instrumental in saving the Union army from catastrophic defeat. Thomas, a Union general, was known for his strategic thinking and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield. His leadership during the battle was crucial in preventing the Confederate army from achieving a decisive victory. Thomas was born in Virginia and graduated from West Point in 1840. He served in the Mexican-American War and later became a colonel in the Union Army. During the Civil War, Thomas commanded the Army of the Cumberland and played a key role in several major battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga, the Chattanooga Campaign, and the Mobile Campaign. The Battle of Chickamauga was fought in September 1863 in northern Georgia. The Confederate army, led by General Braxton Bragg, had invaded Tennessee and was advancing towards Chattanooga. Thomas's army was positioned on a ridge near Chickamauga Creek, and the Confederates launched a surprise attack on the Union position. Thomas's troops were initially overwhelmed by the Confederate onslaught, but he quickly rallied them and launched a counterattack that drove the Confederates back. The battle was one of the bloodiest of the Civil War, with over 34,000 casualties. Thomas's leadership during the battle was critical in preventing the Union army from being completely routed. He was able to coordinate the movements of his troops and to make quick decisions that turned the tide of the battle. Thomas's actions at Chickamauga earned him the nickname "Rock of Chickamauga" and cemented his reputation as one of the greatest generals of the Civil War. After the Battle of Chickamauga, Thomas continued to play a key role in the Chattanooga and Mobile campaigns. In the Chattanooga Campaign, Thomas led the Union army in a series of battles that eventually forced the Confederate army to retreat from Chattanooga. In the Mobile Campaign, Thomas led the Union army in a series of battles that eventually captured the city of Mobile, Alabama. Thomas's leadership during these campaigns was characterized by his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to make quick decisions that turned the tide of the battle. Thomas's actions at Chickamauga and the Chattanooga and Mobile campaigns were instrumental in saving the Union army from catastrophic defeat and in helping to bring the Civil War to a close. Thomas's leadership style was characterized by his calm demeanor, his ability to make quick decisions, and his commitment to the cause of the Union. He was a respected leader both in the military and in civilian life, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans. In conclusion, the Battle of Chickamauga was a pivotal moment in the Civil War, and the actions of General George H. Thomas were instrumental in saving the Union army from catastrophic defeat. Thomas's leadership during the battle was characterized by his strategic thinking, his ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and his commitment to the cause of the Union. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans, and his biography sheds fascinating new light on a colorful and important period of American history.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636241302