1862 was one of the bloodiest years in American history. Over the course of the year 1862 it became clear that neither the North, nor the South were going to win an early victory in the Civil War. Union forces won victories in the west at Ft. Donelson and Ft. Moultrie. Union forces also successfully captured Roanoke Island in 1862. However, the Union suffered a major setback in the main campaign between Washington and Richmond, when the Union was forced to abandon its Peninsular campaign. Then, the tides turned. The Union begin to close the noose on the Confederates by capturing New Orleans. Finally, Confederate forces initiated an offensive attack, which ended in disaster. Finally, Confederate forces were defeated in the Battle of Antietam; the bloodiest one-day battle in all of American history.
A combination of photos, multimedia presentations and documents tell the story of 1862. All documents and photos can be printed or e-mailed. Multimedia presentations can be played via Airplay.