Robert E. Lee – Commander of the Virginia Troops

Posted by: Jonathan R. Allen

Robert E. Lee Takes Command

April 22, 1861

Robert E. Lee

On April 22, 1861 Robert E. Lee took command of the Virginia troops. Lee fought for the Confederacy because his loyalty was to his home state of Virginia.

On this date in 1861 Robert E. Lee left his home of Arlington in Virginia, and would never return to it. Union forces soon occupied Arlington, and Lee’s home became Union General Irvin McDowell’s headquarters.

During the Civil War, Robert E. Lee’s home of Arlington would become Arlington National Cemetery.

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I'm telling the huge story of the American Civil War X by X and tidbit by tidbit. Learning about the Civil War is enjoyable and rewarding. - Jonathan R. Allen

Civil War History @civilwarhistory ·

2 Nov

After a great duel of ironclad monsters at the Battle of the Ironclads in March 1862 at Hampton Roads, neither the Monitor or the Virginia sank or disabled the other, and each steamed away from Hampton Roads.

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1 Nov

At the Battle of the Ironclads in March 1862 at Hampton Roads, the Union ironclad Monitor’s orders were to protect the wooden Minnesota. It remained to fulfill its duty but did not chase after the departing ironclad Virginia.

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31 Oct

At Hampton Roads in March 1862, the Monitor had a different commander to replace its wounded one and it was ready for more battle, but it found the ironclad Virginia sailing away.

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30 Oct

Eventually on March 9, 1862, at Hampton Roads during the Battle of the Ironclads the tide was falling and the ironclad Virginia was losing maneuverability. The Virginia did not have time to finish off the wooden Minnesota, it began its way back to Norfolk.

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29 Oct

During the Battle of the Ironclads in March 1862, The Union ironclad Monitor’s wounded commander had to back off and regroup. The ironclad Virginia’s crew mistook the Monitor’s movement as a retreat and believed it had won the day.

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28 Oct

During the Battle of the Ironclads in March 1862, The Union Monitor’s commander was temporarily blinded and the ironclad had to back off and regroup. The Virginia’s crew mistook the Monitor’s movement as a retreat and believed it had won the day.

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27 Oct

My newest book: 305 Civil War Words and Terms is now available in both paperback and eBook forms. Learn Civil War History From Words and Terms Used In Civil War Times.

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27 Oct

On March 9, 1862, at Hampton Roads the Union ironclad Monitor and the CSA ironclad Virginia settled into a duel. The Monitor’s commander was temporarily blinded when the Union ironclad's pilothouse was hit.

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Civil War History @civilwarhistory ·

26 Oct

On March 9, 1862, at Hampton Roads the Union ironclad Monitor and the CSA ironclad Virginia settled into a duel at close range. Eventually, the Virginia hit the Monitor’s pilothouse, an exposed and crucial part of the ironclad.

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Civil War History @civilwarhistory ·

25 Oct

On March 9, 1862, at Hampton Roads the Union ironclad Monitor and the CSA ironclad Virginia settled into a duel at close range. They were so close that the Virginia rammed into the Monitor. Each ironclad hammered away with cannon fire at the other in a four-hour battle.

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Grand Tactician

Game creator Grand Tactician has teamed up with LearnCivilWarHistory.com blogmaster, @CivilWarHistory Tweeter, and author/editor of 501 Civil War Quotes and Notes, Jonathan R. Allen, to help with their upcoming game Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865).

From Grand Tactician:

"Mr.Allen's most accurate notes allows all players to learn Civil War history from the spoken words and writings of the military commanders, political leaders, the Billy Yanks and Johnny Rebs who fought in the battles."

"In Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865) we want to tell the story of the War. What better way than letting those who saw the War tell it in their own words? We're excited to announce that 501 Civil War Quotes and Notes by @CivilWarHistory will be featured in the game!"

Learn more:
Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865)