The Chancellorsville Campaign, a pivotal series of engagements during the American Civil War, unfolded in Virginia between April and May 1863, culminating in one of the Confederacy’s most audacious and bittersweet triumphs. This campaign, renowned for Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s brilliant strategy, saw his outnumbered Army of Northern Virginia achieve a stunning victory against the revitalized Union Army of the Potomac.
Following a decisive Confederate victory at Fredericksburg in December 1862, Union morale was low. However, Major General Joseph Hooker, the new commander of the Army of the Potomac, diligently reorganized and reinvigorated his troops, famously declaring he had created “the finest Army on the Planet.” Hooker devised an elaborate plan to quietly flank Lee’s forces, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that would forever be etched in military history.
Setting the Stage: Hooker’s Grand Plan and Lee’s Counter
General Joseph Hooker, with a Union force numbering over 130,000 men, aimed to outmaneuver Lee’s approximately 60,000 Confederates. His strategy involved a complex movement: while a portion of his army would feign an attack at Fredericksburg, the main force would execute a sweeping flanking maneuver to the west, crossing the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers. Hooker believed this would force Lee to abandon his strong defensive positions or be caught in a pincer movement.
On April 27, 1863, the Union V, XI, and XII Corps initiated their westward march, crossing the rivers at Germanna and Ely’s Fords. By April 30 and May 1, these Federals concentrated near Chancellorsville, a crossroads mansion in a dense wilderness known as the ‘Wilderness of Spotsylvania’. The III Corps was ordered to join them via United States Ford, while Major General John Sedgwick’s VI Corps and Major General John Gibbon’s division remained near Fredericksburg to maintain the deception.
Confederate General Robert E. Lee, renowned for his aggressive tactics and strategic insight, quickly recognized Hooker’s intentions. Leaving a smaller covering force under Major General Jubal A. Early at Fredericksburg, Lee audaciously divided his already outnumbered army and marched west with the bulk of his forces to confront the primary Union threat. As Hooker’s army advanced on the Orange Turnpike towards Fredericksburg, they encountered increasing and unexpected Confederate resistance.
The Battle of Chancellorsville: A Tactical Masterpiece
Faced with Lee’s unexpected aggression and reports of a formidable Confederate presence, Hooker’s confidence wavered. He ordered his army to halt its advance and consolidate defensive positions around Chancellorsville. This decision proved critical, as it surrendered the initiative to Lee, a commander who excelled in exploiting opportunities.
Jackson’s Legendary Flank March
On the morning of May 2, Lee and his trusted subordinate, Lieutenant General Thomas J.
