American Civil War

A. P. Hill Ambrose Powell Hill Jr. (1825–1865), Confederate general noted for commanding the 'Light Division', rapid tactics, and service in many major Civil War campaigns; killed during the…

American Civil War (1861–1865) American Civil War A concise overview of the American Civil War: origins, major events, combatants, and consequences including emancipation and Reconstruction.

Appomattox Court House (site of Lee's 1865 surrender) Appomattox Court House Historic Virginia village where Confederate General Robert E. Lee formally surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865; preserved as a national historic site and a symbol of t…

Army of Mississippi (Confederate) Army of Mississippi Confederate Western Theater formation(s) active 1862–1864, notable for Shiloh, the Vicksburg theater, frequent reorganizations and the later Army of Tennessee designation.

Battle of New Market (May 15, 1864) Battle of New Market Detailed account of the Battle of New Market during the American Civil War: strategic context, forces and commanders, the role of VMI cadets, outcome, and its legacy in the Shenand…

Battle of Palmito Ranch — the final land engagement of the American Civil War Battle of Palmito Ranch A concise account of the Battle of Palmito Ranch (May 12–13, 1865), its setting near Brownsville, Texas, commanders, outcome, and why it is regarded as the last land action linked…

Slavery in the United States: History, Structure, and Legacy Slavery in the United States An overview of the institution of slavery in what became the United States, its legal and economic structures, development from colonial times to abolition, and its cultural and hi…

United States of America United States A federal republic in North America composed of 50 states, a federal district, and several territories; a major global economic, cultural, and military power with diverse geography…