The American Civil War was a brutal conflict that divided the nation, saw numerous battles with devastating losses on both sides.
Ranking the bloodiest battles in the Civil War is subjective and depends on various factors like casualty percentages, total numbers, and battle duration. In this article we explore the harrowing events of the American Civil War with our exploration of the “10 Bloodiest Battles.”
Join us we examine Gettysburg’s thunderous cannonades to Antietam’s grim toll, this article chronicles the relentless struggle that shaped a nation.
- 1. Battle of Antietam: The Bloodiest Single Day
- 2. Battle of Chancellorsville: Death of a General
- 3. Battle of Gettysburg: The largest battle of the Civil War
- 4. Battle of Chickamauga: The Bloodiest Battle in the West
- 5. Battle of Fredericksburg: A One-Sided Union Defeat
- 6. Battle of the Wilderness: A Bloody Stalemate
- 7. Battle of Spotsylvania Court House: A Costly Stalemate
- 8. Battle of Shiloh: A Pivotal Clash in the Western Theater
- 9. Battle of Stones River: A Bloody Stalemate
- 10. Second Battle of Bull Run: A Confederate Victory
- Further Reading
1. Battle of Antietam: The Bloodiest Single Day
The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, is the bloodiest single day in American history and one of the bloodiest battles during the Civil War.
Fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland, this horrific clash between the Union and Confederate armies resulted in over 23,000 casualties in a single day, with nearly 12,500 Union and 11,200 Confederate soldiers killed, wounded, or captured.
Prelude to the Battle of Antietam
In the summer of 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee launched an audacious campaign into the North, hoping to gain strategic advantage and bolster support for the Confederacy.
Lee’s forces crossed the Potomac River into Maryland, threatening the Union capital of Washington, D.C.
Union General George B. McClellan, tasked with defending the North, pursued Lee’s army and caught up with them near Sharpsburg. The stage was set for a massive confrontation that would determine the fate of the war.
Bloodiest Battles: The Battle of Antietam
On the morning of September 17, the battle commenced with a series of skirmishes as both armies maneuvered for position. The fighting quickly escalated into a full-scale clash, with infantry, cavalry, and artillery engaging in fierce combat.
The battle raged throughout the day, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage.
The battle unfolded in several distinct phases:
- Morning Attacks: The Union launched a series of attacks on the Confederate left flank, attempting to break through their lines. However, the Confederates held their ground, and the fighting remained stalemated.
- Burnside’s Bridge: In the afternoon, Union General Ambrose Burnside crossed a stone bridge over Antietam Creek and attacked the Confederate right flank. This assault initially succeeded, but the Confederates launched a fierce counterattack and eventually forced Burnside back across the bridge.
- Cornfield and Sunken Road: The most intense fighting of the day occurred in the cornfields and along a sunken road near the center of the battlefield. Both sides repeatedly attacked and counterattacked, resulting in heavy casualties.
- Final Confederate Assault: In the late afternoon, Lee ordered a final assault on the Union center, hoping to break through their lines and secure a victory. However, the Union troops held firm, and the Confederate attack was repulsed.
The fighting was intense and brutal, with soldiers enduring heavy casualties. The cornfields and woods around Sharpsburg became a scene of carnage, with thousands of dead and wounded strewn across the battlefield.
The Aftermath
By nightfall, the battle had reached a stalemate, with both armies exhausted and depleted.
The Union forces had managed to halt the Confederate advance, but at a tremendous cost. The Battle of Antietam resulted in over 23,000 casualties, making it the bloodiest single-day battle in American history and one of bloodiest battles of the war.
Despite the immense bloodshed, the Union victory at Antietam had significant consequences. It marked a turning point in the war, as it prevented the Confederacy from gaining a foothold in the North and boosted the morale of the Union troops.
Historical Significance of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam had far-reaching historical implications. It provided President Abraham Lincoln with the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate territories.
The proclamation shifted the focus of the war from preserving the Union to abolishing slavery, galvanizing support for the Union cause.
The battle also convinced European powers, who were considering recognizing the Confederacy, that the Union was determined to win the war. This diplomatic victory prevented foreign intervention and helped secure the Union’s ultimate victory.
2. Battle of Chancellorsville: Death of a General
Battle of Chancellorsville was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. This complex and strategically significant battle saw over 30,000 casualties on both sides.
The Union suffered 17,000 casualties, whilst the Confederates had almost 13,000 casualties, including the formidable General Stonewall Jackson.
Prelude to the Battle of Chancellorsville
In the spring of 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee launched a daring campaign to invade the North once again.
Lee’s army crossed the Rappahannock River and headed towards Chancellorsville, Virginia, where they encountered the Union army under the command of General Joseph Hooker.
Bloodiest Battles: The Battle of Chancellorsville
Jackson’s Flank Attack
Confederate General Stonewall Jackson launched a flank attack at the Battle of Chancellorsville. His Confederate army, consisting of approximately 28,000 troops, was tasked with making a surprise attack on the Union right flank.
Jackson’s plan was to march his troops through dense woods and thick underbrush to avoid detection. He then planned to launch a sudden and overwhelming assault on the Union flank, hoping to rout them and roll up their entire line.
On the morning of May 2, 1863, Jackson’s troops emerged from the woods and launched their attack on the Union right flank. The Union troops were caught off guard and were quickly overwhelmed. Jackson’s troops routed the Union right flank and forced them to retreat in disorder.
However, Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops during the battle and later died from his wounds.
Longstreet’s Attack on the Union Center
While Jackson was attacking the Union right flank, Confederate General James Longstreet’s wing of the army was tasked with holding the Union center.
Longstreet’s troops advanced in a frontal assault against the Union lines. The fighting was intense and bloody, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
The Union troops held their ground and eventually forced Longstreet to withdraw.
Aftermath of Jackson’s Flank Attack
Despite Jackson’s death, Lee pressed on with the attack. Longstreet’s troops attacked the Union center again, but were unable to break through.
The battle ended with a Confederate victory, but the Union army had managed to prevent the Confederates from achieving their objectives.
The Battle of Chancellorsville was a significant turning point in the Civil War. It marked the last major Confederate victory in the Eastern Theater of the war. The death of Stonewall Jackson was a major blow to the Confederate war effort.
Despite the victory, Lee’s invasion of the North was ultimately unsuccessful. The Union army regrouped and eventually defeated Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.
3. Battle of Gettysburg: The largest battle of the Civil War
The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1-3, 1863, was the largest and bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. It resulted in over 43,500 casualties, with nearly 23,000 Union and 20,500 Confederate soldiers killed, wounded, or captured.
In the summer of 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee launched a second invasion of the North.
Lee’s army crossed the Potomac River and headed towards Pennsylvania. Union General George Meade’s army pursued Lee and the two armies clashed near the town of Gettysburg.
Bloodiest Battles: The Battle of Gettysburg
Day 1 (July 1, 1863):
Confederate forces under Generals Richard Ewell and A.P. Hill launched a series of attacks against Union positions on Seminary Ridge and Oak Ridge.
Union troops under Generals John Reynolds and Oliver O. Howard were initially pushed back, but they eventually managed to stabilize their lines. General Reynolds was killed in the fighting, making him the highest-ranking Union officer to die in the Civil War.
By the end of the day, the Confederates had gained some ground, but they were unable to break through the Union lines.
Day 2 (July 2, 1863):
The fighting continued with both sides launching attacks and counterattacks.
Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s plan for a general assault faced obstacles due to faulty intelligence.
Attacks on the Union left by Longstreet’s forces met resistance, especially at the Peach Orchard. Fierce fighting occurred in areas like the Wheatfield and Devil’s Den.
On the Union right, Ewell’s cannonade had little impact, and attacks on Culp’s Hill and East Cemetery Hill faced delays.
Little Round Top became a pivotal battleground, with Union forces successfully defending the crucial position. Despite intense fighting, neither side achieved decisive victory on this day.
Day 3 (July 3, 1863):
Lee ordered a massive assault on the Union center, known as Pickett’s Charge. This attack was a frontal assault by over 15,000 Confederate soldiers against the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge.
The Confederates were able to briefly penetrate the Union lines, but they were eventually repulsed.
The Union artillery played a key role in defeating Pickett’s Charge, as it inflicted heavy casualties on the Confederate troops.
By the end of the day, the Confederate army was forced to retreat.
The Battle of Gettysburg ended with a Union victory. The Confederate army was forced to retreat back to Virginia. The Union victory at Gettysburg was a major turning point in the Civil War. It marked the end of Lee’s invasion of the North and boosted the morale of the Union troops.
The Battle of Gettysburg Aftermath
The Battle of Gettysburg ended with a Union victory and the Confederate army was forced to retreat back to Virginia.
The Union victory at Gettysburg was a major turning point in the Civil War. It marked the end of Lee’s invasion of the North.
While the Battle of Gettysburg was tactically inconclusive, in the sense that neither side was able to destroy the other, it was strategically decisive. The Union victory prevented the Confederacy from gaining a foothold in the North and boosted the morale of the Union troops. It also marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.
What if Lee had won the Battle of Gettysburg. Read here to speculate on this scenario.
4. Battle of Chickamauga: The Bloodiest Battle in the West
The Battle of Chickamauga was fought from September 19 to September 20, 1863 in northwest Georgia. It was one of the major battles of the Western Theater of the American Civil War and marked the end of the Union offensive against Chattanooga, Tennessee.
With nearly 35,000 casualties, it was the second bloodiest battle of the Civil War after Gettysburg. The Confederate victory halted the Union’s Chickamauga Campaign but failed to destroy Rosecrans’ army.
Strategic Situation and Opposing Forces
Chattanooga’s manufacturing facilities and rail hub made it a prized strategic possession for both sides. After Rosecrans’ successful Tullahoma Campaign forced Bragg’s withdrawal to Chattanooga during the summer of 1863, Rosecrans maneuvered to push the Confederates out of the city.
Bragg’s Army of Tennessee numbered about 65,000 men, reinforced by troops from Mississippi and Virginia under James Longstreet. Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland totaled 60,000 men. Controlling the city would give either side a crucial advantage.
Initial Engagements and Movements
As Rosecrans’ army crossed the Tennessee River downstream from Chattanooga, Bragg moved to intercept the Union forces. On September 10 at Davis’s Cross Roads, Bragg attempted to trap a Union division under General James Negley but failed due to delays and miscommunication.
Rosecrans concentrated his corps and advanced on Chattanooga, forcing Bragg to withdraw. The Union occupied the city on September 9. Bragg devised plans to defeat each isolated Union corps individually.
Battle of Chickamauga
On September 19, Bragg assaulted the Union left flank commanded by General George H. Thomas but failed to break through.
Misinformed that a gap existed in his line, Rosecrans created a real gap by moving forces to shore up the phantom gap. Longstreet launched a powerful assault into the gap, routing the Union forces.
Thomas rallied retreating troops and hastily formed a defensive line on Horseshoe Ridge that withstood repeated Confederate attacks until nightfall, allowing an orderly Union withdrawal.
Though Bragg won a tactical victory, the Union retained control of its supply lines and Chattanooga.
Aftermath
With nearly 34,000 total casualties, Chickamauga was the second bloodiest battle of the war after Gettysburg. The Union suffered 16,170 losses while the Confederates lost 18,450men. Bragg besieged Chattanooga but the Union held the city.
The victory bolstered Confederate morale but failed to achieve decisive strategic results. Chickamauga marked the end of the Chickamauga Campaign. The Union would counterattack and achieve a pivotal victory at Chattanooga that November.
5. Battle of Fredericksburg: A One-Sided Union Defeat
The Battle of Fredericksburg was one of bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Fought from December 11-15, 1862, this was a one-sided Union defeat that resulted in over 18,000 casualties. The Union army suffered heavily against entrenched Confederate positions.
Prelude to the Battle
After the Union victory at the Battle of Antietam in September 1862, President Abraham Lincoln ordered General Burnside to launch an offensive against the Confederate army in Virginia.
Burnside’s plan was to cross the Rappahannock River and attack the Confederate army under General Robert E. Lee, who was entrenched in a strong defensive position on the heights behind the town of Fredericksburg.
Bloodiest Battles: Battle of Fredericksburg
Burnside’s army crossed the Rappahannock River on December 11, 1862, and began its advance towards Fredericksburg. However, the Confederates had already prepared strong defensive positions, and they were waiting for the Union army to attack.
On December 13, Burnside ordered a series of frontal assaults against the Confederate positions.
The Union troops were repeatedly repulsed with heavy casualties. The fighting was particularly intense at Marye’s Heights, where the Confederate troops were well-entrenched behind a stone wall.
The Union troops suffered heavy casualties in the frontal assaults. By the end of the day, the Union army had suffered over 12,000 casualties, while the Confederates had lost only about 5,000.
Aftermath and Significance
The Battle of Fredericksburg was a major defeat for the Union army and in significant criticism of General Burnside.
The Battle of Fredericksburg marked the end of the Union’s attempts to defeat the Confederacy through a series of frontal assaults. It also led to a reassessment of Union strategy and tactics.
The battle also demonstrated the growing strength of the Confederate army. The Confederates were able to defeat the Union army in a pitched battle, and they were now confident that they could win the war.
6. Battle of the Wilderness: A Bloody Stalemate
The Battle of the Wilderness, fought from May 5-7, 1864, was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. It was also one of the most brutal and savage battles of the war, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The battle’s grim nature highlighted the war’s escalating human cost.
Background to the Battle
In the spring of 1864, Union General Ulysses S. Grant launched a new offensive against the Confederate army in Virginia. Grant’s plan was to use his superior numbers to crush the Confederate army and end the war.
Confederate General Robert E. Lee was determined to stop Grant’s advance.
Lee’s army was smaller than Grant’s, but he knew the terrain of the Wilderness very well. The Wilderness was a dense forest with thick underbrush and few roads. This made it difficult for troops to maneuver and communicate.
Bloodiest Battles: Battle of Wilderness
The Battle of the Wilderness began on May 5, 1864, when Grant’s army encountered Lee’s army in the Wilderness.
The fighting quickly became intense and chaotic. The dense forest made it difficult for the troops to see each other, and the fighting often devolved into hand-to-hand combat.
On the first day, Union cavalry under Brigadier General James H. Wilson was initially successful in driving back Confederate cavalry, but was eventually forced to retreat.
However, Union V Corps attacked Confederate positions, but was unable to break through the Confederate lines
On Day 2, Grant ordered a renewed attack on the Orange Plank Road and at the Orange Turnpike. But Union forces were driven back. Repeated union attacks on confederate positions failed.
On Day 3, Grant realized that he could not break through the Confederate lines in the Wilderness and ordered his army to disengage and move around the Confederate flank.
Lee correctly predicted Grant’s move and got his army to Spotsylvania Court House first, where he erected formidable earthworks, where the next brutal battle would be fought.
Aftermath
The Battle of the Wilderness was a bloody stalemate, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
The battle did not achieve Grant’s objective of destroying the Confederate army, but it did force Lee to retreat.
The Battle of the Wilderness is remembered as one of the most brutal and savage battles of the Civil War. It is a reminder of the terrible cost of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides.
7. Battle of Spotsylvania Court House: A Costly Stalemate
After the indecisive Battle of the Wilderness, Union General Ulysses S. Grant strategized to outflank the Confederate forces, leading his army southward towards Spotsylvania Court House.
The objective was to interpose his forces between General Robert E. Lee and Richmond, seeking a more advantageous battleground.
Confederate Terrain Advantage
Despite a smaller army, General Lee was resolute in stopping Grant’s advance.
Lee’s familiarity with the Spotsylvania Court House terrain granted him the ability to choose strategic positions for defense, adding a crucial advantage.
Commencement of Bloodshed: May 8, 1864
The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House commenced on May 8, 1864, with intense and bloody fighting.
The Union launched frontal assaults, especially at the notorious “Mule Shoe”.
Hancock’s assault on the Mule Shoe commenced, delayed by rain, but successful in breaching Confederate works. The attack led to chaos as Union forces, lacking a clear plan, lost cohesion, turning into an armed mob.
Confederate counterattacks halted the Union breakthrough. Heavy rain intensified the struggle at the “Bloody Angle,” with Union reinforcements arriving at 6:30 a.m. Despite intense fighting, the day ended in a tactical stalemate, leaving the earthworks slippery with blood.
Grant, undeterred by May 12 casualties, planned to reorient his lines, shifting the focus east of Spotsylvania.
Scattered and exhausted, Grant couldn’t mount an assault on May 14, and weather conditions further delayed operations. May 17 marked a clearing, prompting Grant to assume Lee’s shift from the Mule Shoe, leading to a failed Union assault on May 18.
On 19th May, Grant decided to abandon the battlefield, luring Lee southward.
Tactical Stalemate, Strategic Victory
The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House is often considered a tactical stalemate, but it can be viewed as a strategic victory for the Union.
While the Union forces were unable to decisively break through the Confederate lines at Spotsylvania Court House, the battle was strategically advantageous for the Union.
After the inconclusive fighting, General Grant chose to disengage and maneuver around the Confederate flank once again.
The strategic impact of the battle lay in the fact that it marked the end of General Lee’s ability to thwart Grant’s advance towards Richmond. The Union continued its overall campaign, and the battle contributed to the gradual weakening of the Confederate forces.
Casualties: A Grim Toll
Spotsylvania Court House proved the costliest battle of the Overland Campaign, with almost 32,000 total casualties.
Grant’s losses exceeded 18,000, while Lee lost 10–13,000, impacting both armies’ strength.
8. Battle of Shiloh: A Pivotal Clash in the Western Theater
The Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, was a pivotal battle in the Western Theater of the American Civil War.
It was fought on April 6-7, 1862, in southwestern Tennessee, near the town of Shiloh.
Prelude to the Battle
In the spring of 1862, Union General Ulysses S. Grant launched a campaign to capture the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Grant’s army moved down the Tennessee River and landed at Pittsburg Landing, a small town on the west bank of the river.
Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston was determined to stop Grant’s advance. Johnston’s army was smaller than Grant’s, but he hoped to surprise the Union army and defeat it before it could be reinforced.
The Bloody Battle
on the April 6, Union divisions under Sherman and McClernand face Confederate attacks, leading to heavy fighting. Union forces are pushed back on the right, center along the Sunken Road, and the left is threatened.
Wallace’s division is slow to arrive on the battlefield due to confusion and misinformation about the location of the fighting.
The Confederates faced a setback when Confederate General Johnston is mortally wounded and dies around 2:30 pm.
Union gunboats, USS Tyler and USS Lexington, join the battle, providing artillery support.
On the second day of the battle, Union forces, reinforced by Buell’s army, launch counterattacks. Confederate forces are pushed southward by the afternoon and withdrawn to Corinth.
Aftermath and Casualties
The battle results in significant casualties, with estimates varying. Union casualties are listed as 13,000 and Confederate casualties as 10,700, though some historians argue these figures may be understated.
The Battle of Shiloh was one of the largest and bloodiest battles in the Civil War up to that point, influencing the perception of the war’s duration and intensity.
9. Battle of Stones River: A Bloody Stalemate
The Battle of Stones River, also known as the Battle of Murfreesboro, was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. It was fought from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, near the town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Background to the Battle
In the fall of 1862, Confederate General Braxton Bragg launched an invasion of Kentucky. Bragg’s army was defeated at the Battle of Perryville in October 1862, and he was forced to retreat back to Tennessee.
Union General William S. Rosecrans pursued Bragg’s army and caught up with it near Murfreesboro. Rosecrans’ army was larger than Bragg’s, but Bragg had the advantage of being able to choose the ground on which to fight.
Battle of Stones River
The Battle of Stones River began on December 31, 1862, when Rosecrans’ army attacked Bragg’s army. The fighting was intense and bloody, and both sides suffered heavy casualties.
The Union army was initially successful in driving the Confederates back. However, the Confederates were able to launch a counterattack and regain some of the ground they had lost.
The fighting continued for two more days, with neither side able to achieve a decisive victory. On January 2, 1863, Rosecrans ordered his army to withdraw.
Aftermath and Casualties
The Battle of Stones River was a tactical stalemate. Neither side was able to achieve a decisive victory. However, the battle was a strategic victory for the Union. The Union army was able to prevent Bragg’s army from invading Kentucky again, and it also set the stage for future Union advances in Tennessee.
The Battle of Stones River was also one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War with 25,800 casualties. The Union army suffered about 14,000 casualties, while the Confederate army suffered over 11,800 casualties.
10. Second Battle of Bull Run: A Confederate Victory
The Second Battle of Bull Run, also known as the Second Battle of Manassas, was a Confederate victory in the American Civil War. It was fought on August 29-30, 1862, near the town of Manassas, Virginia.
Background to the Second Battle of Bull Run
Following the Union defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) in 1861, Union forces, under Major General John Pope, were given the task of securing Northern Virginia and protecting Washington, D.C.
Confederate General Robert E. Lee, leading the Army of Northern Virginia, aimed to counter the Union advance into Northern Virginia and achieve a decisive victory.
The Battle
Burnside’s army crossed the Rappahannock River and headed towards Richmond, the Confederate capital.
Lee’s army was waiting for Burnside at Bull Run, where the two armies had fought to a draw the previous year.
The Second Battle of Bull Run began on August 29, 1862, when Burnside’s army attacked Lee’s army. The fighting was intense and bloody, and both sides suffered heavy casualties.
A skirmish known as the Battle of Brawner’s Farm occurred on August 28, resulting in heavy casualties for both sides. This engagement set the stage for larger battles in the following days.
Confederate General Stonewall Jackson executed a flanking movement against the Union army’s right flank. Union forces, commanded by Major General John Pope, were caught off guard, leading to heavy fighting near Groveton.
On the final day, the Confederates launched a massive assault against the Union lines along an unfinished railroad. Union forces faced strong Confederate attacks were forced to retreat towards Centreville.
The Confederate victory was decisive, marking a significant setback for Union efforts in Northern Virginia.
Casualties and Aftermath
The Second Battle of Bull Run was a Confederate victory. The Union army suffered over 14,500 casualties, while the Confederate army suffered over 7,000 casualties.
The victory at Second Bull Run boosted the morale of the Confederate army and gave Lee the confidence to launch another invasion of the North. However, Lee’s invasion was defeated at the Battle of Antietam, and he was forced to retreat back to Virginia.
Further Reading
If you enjoyed this article, you may be interested to read more about the American Civil War events, such as battles in Maryland and North Carolina or more general American history.
