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Field armies and fortifications in the Civil War : the Eastern campaigns, 1861-1864

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The eastern campaigns of the Civil War involved the widespread use of field fortifications, from Big Bethel and the Peninsula to Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Charleston, and Mine Run. While many of these fortifications were meant to last only as long as the battle and often were not detailed in official records, Earl J. Hess argues that their history is deeply significant. Even before the onset of trench warfare at the Wilderness in May 1864, the Civil War saw more use of fieldworks than did any previous conflict in Western history. Hess studies the use of fortifications by tracing the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia from April 1861 to April 1864. He considers the role of field fortifications in the defense of cities, river crossings, and railroads and in numerous battles. Blending technical aspects of construction with operational history, Hess demonstrates the crucial role these earthworks played in the success or failure of field armies. Hess also challenges some of the assertions of previous Civil War historians. He argues that the development of trench warfare in 1864 resulted from the shock of battle and the continued presence of the enemy within striking distance, not simply from the use of the rifle-musket. He also finds that the idea of digging hasty fieldworks originated at many levels of command, even among the rank and file, and that ordinary infantry men (rather than engineer troops) did most of the digging. Based on fieldwork at 300 battle sites and extensive research in official reports, letters, diaries, and archaeological studies, this book should become an indispensable reference for Civil War historians.

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Summary Note

The eastern campaigns of the Civil War involved the widespread use of field fortifications, from Big Bethel and the Peninsula to Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Charleston, and Mine Run. While many of these fortifications were meant to last only as long as the battle and often were not detailed in official records, Earl J. Hess argues that their history is deeply significant. Even before the onset of trench warfare at the Wilderness in May 1864, the Civil War saw more use of fieldworks than did any previous conflict in Western history. Hess studies the use of fortifications by tracing the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia from April 1861 to April 1864. He considers the role of field fortifications in the defense of cities, river crossings, and railroads and in numerous battles. Blending technical aspects of construction with operational history, Hess demonstrates the crucial role these earthworks played in the success or failure of field armies. Hess also challenges some of the assertions of previous Civil War historians. He argues that the development of trench warfare in 1864 resulted from the shock of battle and the continued presence of the enemy within striking distance, not simply from the use of the rifle-musket. He also finds that the idea of digging hasty fieldworks originated at many levels of command, even among the rank and file, and that ordinary infantry men (rather than engineer troops) did most of the digging. Based on fieldwork at 300 battle sites and extensive research in official reports, letters, diaries, and archaeological studies, this book should become an indispensable reference for Civil War historians.

Content Note

Engineering war -- On to Richmond -- Western Virginia and Eastern North Carolina -- The Peninsula -- From Seven Pines to the Seven Days -- Second Manassas, Antietam, and the Maryland Campaign -- Fredericksburg -- Chancellorsville -- Goldsborough, New Bern, Washington, and Suffolk -- Gettysburg and Lee's Pennsylvania campaign -- Charleston -- The reduction of Battery Wagner -- From Bristoe Station to the fall of Plymouth.