Front cover of an issue of the Fredericksburg Guidebook

Battle of Chancellorsville

Read about the Battle of Chancellorsville.

On April 27, Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker led the V, XI, and XII Corps on a campaign to turn the Confederate left flank by crossing the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers above Fredericksburg. Passing the Rapidan via Germanna and Ely’s Fords, the Federals concentrated near Chancellorsville on April 30 and May 1. The III Corps was ordered to join the army via United States Ford. Sedgwick’s VI Corps and Gibbon’s division remained to demonstrate against the Confederates at Fredericksburg.

In the meantime, Lee left a covering force under Maj. Gen. Jubal Early in Fredericksburg and marched with the rest of the army to confront the Federals. As Hooker’s army moved toward Fredericksburg on the Orange Turnpike, they encountered increasing Confederate resistance. Hearing reports of overwhelming Confederate force, Hooker ordered his army to suspend the advance and to concentrate again at Chancellorsville. Pressed closely by Lee’s advance, Hooker adopted a defensive posture, thus giving Lee the initiative. On the morning of May 2, Lt. Gen. T.J. “Stonewall” Jackson directed his corps on a march against the Federal left flank, which was reported to be “hanging in the air.”

Fighting was sporadic on other portions of the field throughout the day, as Jackson’s column reached its jump-off point. At 5:20 pm, Jackson’s line surged forward in an overwhelming attack that crushed the Union XI Corps. Federal troops rallied, resisted the advance, and counterattacked. Disorganization on both sides and darkness ended the fighting.

While making a night reconnaissance, Jackson was mortally wounded by his own men and carried from the field. J.E.B. Stuart took temporary command of Jackson’s Corps. On May 3, the Confederates attacked with both wings of the army and massed their artillery at Hazel Grove. This finally broke the Federal line at Chancellorsville.

Hooker withdrew a mile and entrenched in a defensive “U” with his back to the river at United States Ford. Union generals Berry and Whipple and Confederate general Paxton were killed; Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded. On the night of May 5-6, after Union reverses at Salem Church, Hooker recrossed to the north bank of the Rappahannock. This battle was considered by many historians to be Lee’s greatest victory.

Timeline

  • April 27 – May 6, 1863
  • April 27: Federal V, XI and XII Corps concentrate, preparing to move upriver.
  • April 29: Federals cross against slight opposition before splitting their columns.
  • April 29: Federal V Corps secures Ely’s Ford during the evening.
  • April 29: Federal XI and XII Corps cross Germanna Ford during the evening.
  • April 30: Federal V Corps uncovers U.S. Ford for the two Federal corps to cross.
  • April 30: Hooker reunites the right wing of the Army of the Potomac.
  • April 30: J.E.B. Stuart’s Confederate cavalry clings to the Federal column, sending Lee information as to its strength.
  • April 30 – May 1: Lee divides his army, leaving Early at Fredericksburg while the remainder move toward Chancellorsville.
  • May 1, pm: Hooker’s Federal army assumes a strong defensive position around Chancellorsville.
  • May 1, late pm: Lee receives news that Hooker’s left is weak and plans an attack with Jackson for May 2.
  • May 2, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm: Jackson marches 27,000 troops around Hooker while Lee keeps pressure on the Federals with the remaining 13,000.
  • May 2, 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm: Federal III Corps attempts to attack Jackson’s column but tangles with Lee’s force instead.
  • May 2, 5:15pm: Jackson routs the Union XI Corps with a surprise attack.
  • May 2, 9:30pm: Jackson is accidentally shot by his own troops; command passes to J.E.B Stuart.
  • May 3, 5:00 – 10:00am: Lee and Stuart reunite after a desperate morning of punishing frontal attacks.
  • May 3, 12:30pm: Lee is diverted from attacking Hooker’s last line by an urgent message from Early at Fredericksburg.
  • May 3-4: Lee blocks Federal advance and counterattacks. Meanwhile, 4 miles east, Federal VI Corps captures Early’s defenses and sets out for Chancellorsville.
  • May 6: Hooker retreats across the river before Lee can attack.