Battle of Valverde

battle_name=Battle of Valverde

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The Battle of Valverde (February 20–21, 1862), fought in and around the town of Valverde in the New Mexico Territory, was a major Confederate success in the New Mexico Campaign of the American Civil War, despite having to leave later after the Battle of Glorieta Pass, which was a major Union victory.

Related Topics:
February 20 - 21 - 1862 - Valverde - New Mexico Territory - Confederate - New Mexico Campaign - American Civil War - Battle of Glorieta Pass - Union

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General Henry Hopkins Sibley led his brigade of about 2,500 men across the Rio Grande and up the eastern side of the river to the ford near Valverde, somewhere north of Fort Craig, New Mexico, hoping to cut Union ("Federal") communications between the fort and their headquarters in Santa Fe. Union Lt.Colonel Edward Richard Sprigg Canby left Fort Craig with 3,200 men to prevent the Confederates from crossing the river. Just when he was opposite them, across the river, Canby opened fire in a hast and then sent Union cavalry and limited infantry and artillery over, forcing the Rebels back. The Confederates halted their retreat somewhere along the Old Rio Grande riverbed, which served as an excellent position. After crossing all his men, Canby decided that a massive frontal assault would fail and deployed his force to assault the Confederate left flank. Before he could do so, though, the Rebels attacked. Federals counter attacked with a cavalry charge, but the main Confederate force made a frontal attack, capturing six artillery pieces and forcing the Union battle line to break and caused them to rout. Canby quickly reorginized his men and ordered a retreat. Confederate reinforcements soon arrived. Sibley was about to order another attack when Canby asked for a truce, thus giving the battlefield to Sibley, to remove the bodies of the dead and wounded. Left in possession of the battlefield, the Confederates claimed victory but had suffered heavy casualties. Although the Confederates would soon occupy Santa Fe, they would have to leave New Mexico Territory within 3-4 months, retreating to El Paso, Texas, what was the starting point of the campaign.

Related Topics:
Henry Hopkins Sibley - Brigade - Rio Grande - Ford - Valverde - Fort Craig - New Mexico - Union - Santa Fe - Edward Richard Sprigg Canby - Confederates - Cavalry - Infantry - Artillery - Old Rio Grande - Reinforcement - Truce - New Mexico Territory - El Paso, Texas - Campaign

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