Breaking the Backbone of the Rebellion: The Final Battles of the Petersburg Campaign

by A. Wilson Greene

25 original maps 36 photos and illustrations 6 x 9 * Introduction by award-winning Petersburg historian Richard J. Sommers
* Based on manuscript sources and extensive research Six large-scale battles from late March through April 2, 1865, were the culmination of more than nine months of bitter and continuous warfare between Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. The fighting climaxed in the decisive breakthrough by the Union Sixth Corps on April 2, just six miles southwest of Petersburg. This Federal victory forced Lee to evacuate Petersburg and Richmond that night, and to surrender his army just one week later. Will Greene, executive director of Pamplin Historical Park, which preserves the Breakthrough Battlefield, places these long-neglected battles in strategic context while providing the first tactically-detailed account of the combat on April 2, 1865. A. Wilson Greene is also the author of Whatever You Resolve to Be, a collection of essays on Stonewall Jackson.

Genres: Civil War, History

576 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 2000

Reviews

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first and still definitive account of the attack that shattered Lee's army and started the road to Appomattox. Solid account overall, half of it dealing with the fighting leading up to the breakthrough. A bit dry but well argued all the same.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This history book provides a fuller picture of the final stages of the Petersburg Campaign of 1864/65 that essentially ended the Confederacy. It is an excellent and detailed story that was well researched by the author. This story is definitely told from the perspective of the front-line soldiers who fought here with many references from their diaries, letters, journals and memoirs. While the overall thoughts and plans of the commanding generals is revealed, the emphasis is on the common soldier’s experience. Previous to reading this book, my general knowledge of this campaign was that after the Union’s failed Crater offensive in the summer of 1864, the conquest of Petersburg settled into a long drawn out siege. This book tells the story of a very bloody and decisive offensive that was needed before the Union Army could force the Army of Northern Virginia to abandon Petersburg and Richmond. That offensive was climaxed by the Union Sixth Corp’s offensive against the Confederate Army’s Third Corp on April 2, 1865. As this offensive unfolds the Confederate soldiers were far from a defeated and demoralized army. They especially fought a valiant holding action at Fort Gregg to allow the Army of Northern Virginia the time needed to organize a retreat from Petersburg in the forlorn hope of regrouping in North Carolina, and combining with General Joseph Johnston’s remaining Southern forces. The final stages of the Petersburg Campaign are anything but the story of a long boring siege. This campaign was conducted with courage, bravery and sacrifice on both sides as you’ll discover when you read this book.

[William Guerrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book, well-written and meticulously researched. One of the best books of this type I've ever read. Highly recommended for those interested in a serious and detailed examination of this neglected slice of Civil War history.

[William Olenick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched book on a much forgotten part of the Army of the Potomac last campaign. Mr. Greene being well versed on the whole campaign as he worked at the battlefield park has turned his experience into an easy to digest tale centered on the army's Sixth Corps. Would gladly recommend this to anyone!!!

[Matthew Ericson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Nothing better regarding the action on April 2.