The Civil War Series: The Battle of Chancellorsville

The Civil War Series:
The Battle of Chancellorsville
Thurs, May 18
10:30-11:30 am | In-person at Sanford
Thurs, May 25
10:30-11:30 am | In-person at Trailside

Join educator (and Civil War buff) Mike Trebilcock for an interactive program looking at all aspects of the American Civil War – from its causes to its legacy and memory. Anyone with an interest in the Civil War – expert and novice alike – is encouraged to attend.

The Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of Chancellorsville is often considered Gen. Robert E. Lee’s greatest military victory. It also marked the last battle for Lt. Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, who was mortally wounded by friendly fire.
Lee’s bold decision to take on the Army of the Potomac and its brash new commander “Fighting Joe” Hooker even though he was outnumbered 2-1, resulted in an improbable win for the Confederacy. Hooker’s timidity in battle led to poor choices and a huge disappointment in the North.

In this program we will look at why President Abraham Lincoln put Massachusetts native Joseph Hooker in command of the Army of the Potomac despite reservations about his character and motives. We will also look at how Gen. Hooker transformed the demoralized Union Army of the Potomac, devised a brilliant strategy for forcing Lee into battle, Lee’s countermoves, and the epic battle that followed.
The results at Chancellorsville will set the stage for Lee’s invasion of the North that will ultimately lead to Gettysburg.

Reserve your spot  by calling 989-633-3700! 

Trailside Civil War registrants: Please enter through the main entrance or by the library and proceed directly to room 160. There will be an extra lunch sign-in sheet there so that you will not need to enter Trailside until after the program. This helps our Line Dancing group that meets in Trailside at the same time to remain uninterrupted. Thank you!