The Bloody Angle: A Brutal Battle at Spotsylvania

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, fought from May 8 to 21, 1864, was one of the bloodiest engagements of the American Civil War. It took place in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, as part of Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign against Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

The Bloody Angle: A Pivotal Moment

One of the most fierce and pivotal moments of the battle occurred on May 12, 1864, at a salient in the Confederate lines known as the “Bloody Angle.” Here, a desperate assault by the Union II Corps, led by General Winfield Scott Hancock, resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.

The battle for the Bloody Angle was a brutal hand-to-hand fight that lasted for hours. The Union troops, under heavy fire from the Confederate defenders, managed to gain a foothold in the salient. However, the Confederates, under the command of General John Bell Hood, fought back with fierce determination, repelling wave after wave of Union attacks.

The Significance of the Battle

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House was a significant turning point in the Civil War. Although the battle ended in a stalemate, it demonstrated the strength of the Confederate army and the determination of its soldiers. It also highlighted the immense cost of war, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

The Bloody Angle became a symbol of the brutality and ferocity of the Civil War. The battle’s aftermath left a lasting impact on the landscape and the memories of those who fought there.

Preserving the Battlefield

Today, the Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield is preserved by the American Battlefield Trust. Visitors can explore the battlefield, learn about the history of the battle, and pay their respects to those who fought and died there.

The Bloody Angle is a reminder of the sacrifice and resilience of the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It is a testament to the human cost of war and the importance of preserving our history.

**Key Takeaways:**

• The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House was a brutal and bloody engagement in the Civil War.
• The Bloody Angle was a pivotal moment in the battle, marked by fierce hand-to-hand combat.
• The battle demonstrated the strength of the Confederate army and the immense cost of war.
• The Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield is preserved by the American Battlefield Trust, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.