Yes, General William Tecumseh Sherman’s troops burned Columbia, South Carolina, during the Civil War in February 1865. The city was set ablaze in retribution for its role as the capital of the Confederacy and was largely destroyed in the process. The fire was exacerbated by the city’s wooden structures and the chaotic conditions following the Union army's occupation.
Sherman burned down Atlanta before starting his March to the Sea.
William Sherman chose not to burn Savannah during his infamous March to the Sea primarily because he recognized the city's strategic value and its significance as a port. Upon capturing Savannah in December 1864, he aimed to preserve it for the Union, believing that its infrastructure could serve the war effort. Additionally, Sherman wanted to show a degree of mercy and goodwill, hoping to encourage a quicker end to the war and to facilitate a peaceful transition for the South.
William T. Sherman aimed to attack Columbia, South Carolina, as part of his broader strategy to disrupt the Confederacy's infrastructure and morale during the Civil War. Columbia was seen as a symbolic center of the Confederacy, being the state capital of South Carolina, which had seceded first. By targeting Columbia, Sherman sought to demoralize Confederate forces and civilians, demonstrate the Union's military might, and hasten the end of the war through a campaign of total warfare. The attack also aimed to cripple supply lines and resources essential for the Confederate army.
A 1955 study of the sixty-mile area from Covington to Milledgeville found that of seventy-two houses built before Sherman's march, twenty-two were still standing in 1955; nine others had been torn down after the Civil War" (Soldiers Passion for Order, 551)
Atlanta. This preceded the crossing of Georgia. By the time they got to the other end, they were in a hurry to start ravaging South Carolina, so they spared the lovely city of Savannah. (Some say it was because Sherman had once loved a girl from there.) Once in South Carolina, they headed for the capital - Columbia - which was left a burning heap, probably deliberately.
General Sherman wanted to capture Savannah, Georgia by December 25, 1864. He wanted to destroy the South so it would surrender. He practiced a "scortched earth" policy where he would burn everything in his path.
William T. Sherman
Sherman was engaged on a punitive raid on South Carolina, the state that had started the war, and Columbia was the state capital. When the burned to the ground, it was very hard to believe that it was not arson, though Sherman claimed it was accidental.
Sara Jane Sherman was born on July 9, 1978, in Columbia, Maryland, USA.
Columbia, South Carolina
Oliver Sherman - 2010 is rated/received certificates of: Canada:PG (British Columbia/Ontario)
John Sherman Cooper died on February 21, 1991, in Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Atlanta :(
yes yes he did.
Union General made Atlanta his southern headquarters for a month after he took control of the city. Upon his orders to advance well into Georgia, he burned down much of Atlanta. Catholic priests begged Sherman not to burn down orphan homes and hospitals and Sherman agreed to that.
Orangeburg
The city of Columbia , South Carolina surrendered to Gen. William T. Sherman February 17, 1865 leaving the city open to Union forces to freely enter into the city .