The Civil War: The Battles of Fredericksburg and Stones River

The Civil War:
The Battles of Fredericksburg and Stones River
Thurs, Dec 8 • 10:30-11:30 am
In-person at Sanford
Thurs, Dec 15 • 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 Battles of Fredericksburg and Stones River
As the year 1862 comes to a close, newly appointed Union General Ambrose Burnside moves the Army of the Potomac towards Richmond in an attempt to surprise General Lee.  Lee moves his army to intercept Burnside at Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The resulting battle fought in early December will be one of the largest (over 200,000 combatants) and deadliest battles of the war – and a devastating Union defeat.

With the defeat at Fredericksburg, President Lincoln desperately needed a victory to boost northern morale and gain support for the Emancipation Proclamation – which would go into effect on January 1, 1863.  The chance will come at Murfreesboro, Tennessee where the Union Army of the Cumberland will meet the Confederate Army of Tennessee.  The Battle of Stones River had the highest percentage of casualties on both sides of any major battle in the war.

In this program, we will discuss the causes and outcomes of these momentous battles and also take some time to look back on the year 1862 and look ahead to the events of 1863.

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!