Tullahoma: The Forgotten Campaign That Changed the Civil War, June 23 - July 4, 1863

In 1863, William S. Rosecrans' Army of the Cumberland drove Braxton Bragg's Army of Tennessee out of Middle Tennessee, nearly clearing the state of Rebels. This campaign, known as Tullahoma, was pivotal to Union success in the Civil War and has been overlooked by many readers. The book Tullahoma: The Forgotten Campaign that Changed the Course of Civil War, by award-winning authors David A. Powell and Eric J. Wittenberg, rectifies this oversight by providing a detailed study of the campaign.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2021
Publisher: Savas Beatie

July 1863 marked a pivotal month in the Civil War, with significant events that had far-reaching consequences. News of the victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg in the North and the loss of Middle Tennessee to General William S. Rosecrans' Army of the Cumberland shook the South to its core. Despite its immense significance, these events have remained relatively unknown to many readers even today. However, the publication of Tullahoma: The Forgotten Campaign that Changed the Course of Civil War, June 23 - July 4, 1863, by acclaimed authors David A. Powell and Eric J. Wittenberg, aims to rectify this oversight.

On June 23, 1863, General Rosecrans, commanding a force of approximately 60,000 men, launched a classic campaign of maneuver against General Bragg's 40,000-strong army. Faced with challenging terrain and a well-entrenched opponent, Rosecrans devised a strategic plan to defeat Bragg by outflanking him and seizing control of the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad at Tullahoma. This would force Bragg to fight a battle outside of his extensive defensive earthworks. Although the campaign was complex and multifaceted, it ultimately failed to achieve its intended outcome.

One of the key elements of Rosecrans' strategy was a pair of feints against Guy's Gap and Liberty Gap, designed to deceive the Confederate forces into thinking that the main blow would fall elsewhere. However, the Confederate response was ineffective, exposing one of Bragg's flanks and his entire army to a catastrophic defeat. Torrential rains further complicated the situation, causing havoc on the best-laid plans. Despite these challenges, Bragg hesitated, teetering on the brink of losing the war.

The campaign at Tullahoma showcased the bravery and determination of both the Union and Confederate forces. It demonstrated the importance of strategic planning and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield. However, it also highlighted the limitations of military technology and the human factor in warfare. The campaign remains a fascinating and important chapter in the history of the Civil War, and the publication of Tullahoma: The Forgotten Campaign that Changed the Course of Civil War is a valuable contribution to our understanding of this critical period.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611215045