088 - Death In The Trenches: The Siege Of Petersburg

 

 

 

About this episode: 

From June 18, 1864 until April 2, 1865, the Union Armies of the James and Potomac laid siege to Peterburg, Virginia - the all-important supply and communication center for Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and Richmond itself. After 45 days of constant bloodletting in the Overland Campaign, the contesting forces began what would mirror warfare five decades later - miles and miles of trenches, denuded landmarks and death not so much by rifled muskets and artillery but disease. This is the story of the Confederacy’s long, slow descent into darkness. This the story of the siege of Petersburg. 

 

Some Characters Mentioned In This Episode:

George Gordon Meade

Wade Hampton III

Benjamin Butler

Philip Sheridan

John B. Gordon

Gouverneur Warren

 

Additional Resources:

First Battle Of Deep Bottom - July 27-29, 1864

 

Siege Of Petersburg - Actions August 18-19, 1864

 

Siege Of Petersburg - Actions October 27, 1864

 

Siege Of Petersburg - Actions March 29-31, 1865

 

Siege Of Petersburg - Actions April 2, 1865

 

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Producer: Dan Irving