For the most part both sides in the US Civil War had the identical theories on cavalry combat. Civil War generals such as George B. McClellan, Henry W. Halleck emphasized the saber. West Point instructor, Dennis Hart Mahan held the same ideas. Of course cavalry was also vital in reconnaissance. Few commanders expected cavalry units to rely on firearms. The "saber and spurs" theory believed cavalry charges designed to break through enemy infantry lines was the best technique.
For each side in the US Civil War, cavalry formations followed the standard infantry formations. Riders were placed in two line formations
On June 9, 1863, the largest cavalry battle of the US Civil War, as of that date was fought at Brandy Station, Virginia. Confederate forces prevailed there and reportedly, this helped General Lee's raid into Union territory.
There has been much discussion on the 5th Cavalry at the Battle of Gaine's Mill. There the defeated Union infantry was making an orderly retreat, and a counterattack led by the 5th Cavalry caused a major disorganization of the retreat. Some historians believe that the cavalry actually stemmed the infantry's unorganized retreat, allowing the infantry the necessary time to fall back in an orderly fashion.
The losses on both sides were so high that the battle was recorded as the bloodiest day of the Civil War.
The losses on both sides were so high that the battle was recorded as the bloodiest day of the Civil War.
George Armstrong Custer last commanded the 7th US Cavalry, and was killed, along with 264 of his men at the Battle of Little Big Horn , Montana
The two basic battle formations in the US Civil War were called line and column formations. Both the Union and Confederate armies used these formations extensively.
The cavalry forces of both sides played an important role at the Battle of Gettysburg. Arguable the most significant day of the battle for the cavalry was July 3,1863. Important cavalry clashes occurred at Brinkerhoff's Ridge, Cress's Ridge and the Rummel farm.
General Alfred Pleasonton led the Union's Cavalry Corps under General Meade at the US Civil War Battle of Gettysburg. His commanders helped to protect the Union's flank on the last day of the battle.
On June 9, 1863, the largest cavalry battle was fought at Brandy Station in Virginia. The battle was inconclusive, however it delayed JEB Stuart's arrival at Gettysburg.
On July 3, 1863, a large scale cavalry battle between the South and the North took place on Cress Ridge. This was about four miles from the main battle at Gettysburg.
The cavalry in the US Civil War would usually dismount before they started a battle.
Battle of Little Big Horn, where he was killed. He was also a Civil War general and fought in several cavalry battles.
The Battle of Hanover in Pennsylvania in 1863 was inconclusive, but an important battle nevertheless. It delayed General JEB Stuart and his cavalry to unite with the main Southern army and the Battle of Gettysburg.
On July 3, 1863, a large scale cavalry battle was fought four miles east of Gettysburg. There Union cavalry under Brigadier General David M. Gregg fought with the cavalry of Confederate Major General JEB Stuart. It is debatable, however, that Gregg's ability to hold off Stuart's assault was a significant key to the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Battle of Kelly's Ford took place in Virginia in March of 1863. The Confederate cavalry is given credit for defeating Union forces.
On June 9, 1863, the largest cavalry battle of the US Civil War, as of that date was fought at Brandy Station, Virginia. Confederate forces prevailed there and reportedly, this helped General Lee's raid into Union territory.
There has been much discussion on the 5th Cavalry at the Battle of Gaine's Mill. There the defeated Union infantry was making an orderly retreat, and a counterattack led by the 5th Cavalry caused a major disorganization of the retreat. Some historians believe that the cavalry actually stemmed the infantry's unorganized retreat, allowing the infantry the necessary time to fall back in an orderly fashion.