Army of Northern Virginia
General Robert E. Lee, Commanding
 Explosion at
Petersburg Virginia
Picture is in public the domain |
During the Siege of Petersuurg by the Army of the Potomac lead by Major General George Meade, the Federals constructed a tunnel beneath the Confederate line.The resulting explosion at what became known as the Battle of the Crater in Petersburg, Virginia took place on 30 July 1864. This picture depicts the event from the viewpoint of the Federals. |
 After the explosion Picture is in the public domain |
Federal
troops shown advancing toward the mounds created by the explosion and
the defenses of the Confederate troops. Picture drawn by: Alfred
Waud 30 July 1864. |
 Aftermath. Crater as it looked in 1865 Picture is in the public domain |
This view
shows the size of the crater Confederate forces recovered from the blast and the onslaught of Federal troops. The Confederates rallied under the leadership of Major General William Mahone, launching counter attacks on the northerners and closing the breach caused by the explosion. Federal troops lost the battle. Respect for Mahone burgeoned. On the other hand, the Union's Major General Ambrose Burnside was relieved of his command. |