Unsupported charges against lines of infantry.  Before the Civil War, cavalry was often called upon to break an enemy line on its own.  This tactic was devastating in the centuries in which gunpowder technology was still evolving or non-existent--horsemen could thunder across the battlefield and strike before the enemy infantry had a chance to respond.   However, the rifled musket of the 1860s had finally achieved a range, power, and reload speed that allowed infantrymen to take several effective shots at charging cavalry before they arrived.  These volleys could break up and stop an approaching cavalry formation in its tracks.  In response to this technological improvement, commanders on both sides found different uses for their mounted troopers. 

Unsupported charges against lines of infantry.  Before the Civil War, cavalry was often called upon to break an enemy line on its own.  This tactic was devastating in the centuries in which gunpowder technology was still evolving or non-existent--horsemen could thunder across the battlefield and strike before the enemy infantry had a chance to respond.   However, the rifled musket of the 1860s had finally achieved a range, power, and reload speed that allowed infantrymen to take several effective shots at charging cavalry before they arrived.  These volleys could break up and stop an approaching cavalry formation in its tracks.  In response to this technological improvement, commanders on both sides found different uses for their mounted troopers. 

Unsupported charges against lines of infantry.  Before the Civil War, cavalry was often called upon to break an enemy line on its own.  This tactic was devastating in the centuries in which gunpowder technology was still evolving or non-existent--horsemen could thunder across the battlefield and strike before the enemy infantry had a chance to respond.   However, the rifled musket of the 1860s had finally achieved a range, power, and reload speed that allowed infantrymen to take several effective shots at charging cavalry before they arrived.  These volleys could break up and stop an approaching cavalry formation in its tracks.  In response to this technological improvement, commanders on both sides found different uses for their mounted troopers. 

The Peninsula Campaign.  From June 12 to June 15, 1862, Stuart led 1,200 cavalrymen on a wide circle from the northern to southern end of the Union army outside of Richmond.  He took prisoners, stole supplies, and gathered intelligence while the Union cavalry, commanded by his father-in-law, struggled to keep up and never brought him to serious battle.  The maneuver was an enormous boost to Southern morale in the middle of some of the Confederacy's darkest days. 

The Peninsula Campaign.  From June 12 to June 15, 1862, Stuart led 1,200 cavalrymen on a wide circle from the northern to southern end of the Union army outside of Richmond.  He took prisoners, stole supplies, and gathered intelligence while the Union cavalry, commanded by his father-in-law, struggled to keep up and never brought him to serious battle.  The maneuver was an enormous boost to Southern morale in the middle of some of the Confederacy's darkest days. 

The Peninsula Campaign.  From June 12 to June 15, 1862, Stuart led 1,200 cavalrymen on a wide circle from the northern to southern end of the Union army outside of Richmond.  He took prisoners, stole supplies, and gathered intelligence while the Union cavalry, commanded by his father-in-law, struggled to keep up and never brought him to serious battle.  The maneuver was an enormous boost to Southern morale in the middle of some of the Confederacy's darkest days. 

Cavalry employed firearms of lighter caliber and shorter range.  The rifled muskets commonly carried by Civil War infantry were not ideal cavalry weapons--they were bulky and nearly impossible to load and fire from the saddle.  In the early years of the war most cavalrymen were equipped with shotguns, pistols, and other close-range but easy to handle weapons.  As the war and technology progressed, however, repeating or breech-loading carbines became more prevalent and dramatically increased cavalry's firepower. 

Cavalry employed firearms of lighter caliber and shorter range.  The rifled muskets commonly carried by Civil War infantry were not ideal cavalry weapons--they were bulky and nearly impossible to load and fire from the saddle.  In the early years of the war most cavalrymen were equipped with shotguns, pistols, and other close-range but easy to handle weapons.  As the war and technology progressed, however, repeating or breech-loading carbines became more prevalent and dramatically increased cavalry's firepower. 

Cavalry employed firearms of lighter caliber and shorter range.  The rifled muskets commonly carried by Civil War infantry were not ideal cavalry weapons--they were bulky and nearly impossible to load and fire from the saddle.  In the early years of the war most cavalrymen were equipped with shotguns, pistols, and other close-range but easy to handle weapons.  As the war and technology progressed, however, repeating or breech-loading carbines became more prevalent and dramatically increased cavalry's firepower. 

Sabers.  The saber was a short, generally curved sword that had been optimized for use from a horse for centuries before the Civil War.  Although the revolver came to supersede the saber in many ways, most cavalrymen were still issued the blade as part of their standard kit.  Saber combat was not uncommon during the war.  The sight of saber wounds was often very demoralizing to nearby soldiers. 

Sabers.  The saber was a short, generally curved sword that had been optimized for use from a horse for centuries before the Civil War.  Although the revolver came to supersede the saber in many ways, most cavalrymen were still issued the blade as part of their standard kit.  Saber combat was not uncommon during the war.  The sight of saber wounds was often very demoralizing to nearby soldiers. 

Sabers.  The saber was a short, generally curved sword that had been optimized for use from a horse for centuries before the Civil War.  Although the revolver came to supersede the saber in many ways, most cavalrymen were still issued the blade as part of their standard kit.  Saber combat was not uncommon during the war.  The sight of saber wounds was often very demoralizing to nearby soldiers. 

Fleetwood Hill.  The Confederate cavalry was surprised by a Union pincer attack at Brandy Station on June 9, 1863.  The pincer closed on a rise known as Fleetwood Hill that was strategically situated between the Beverly and Kelly Fords.  The fighting here was confused and violent, as men from both sides fought desperately in two directions to control the high ground.  J.E.B. Stuart retained the field at the end of the day, but the battle was a tremendous moral victory for the largely unappreciated Union cavalry, and something of an embarrassment for the unprepared Confederate troopers.  The Civil War Trust has preserved 1,798 acres of the battlefield. 

Fleetwood Hill.  The Confederate cavalry was surprised by a Union pincer attack at Brandy Station on June 9, 1863.  The pincer closed on a rise known as Fleetwood Hill that was strategically situated between the Beverly and Kelly Fords.  The fighting here was confused and violent, as men from both sides fought desperately in two directions to control the high ground.  J.E.B. Stuart retained the field at the end of the day, but the battle was a tremendous moral victory for the largely unappreciated Union cavalry, and something of an embarrassment for the unprepared Confederate troopers.  The Civil War Trust has preserved 1,798 acres of the battlefield. 

Fleetwood Hill.  The Confederate cavalry was surprised by a Union pincer attack at Brandy Station on June 9, 1863.  The pincer closed on a rise known as Fleetwood Hill that was strategically situated between the Beverly and Kelly Fords.  The fighting here was confused and violent, as men from both sides fought desperately in two directions to control the high ground.  J.E.B. Stuart retained the field at the end of the day, but the battle was a tremendous moral victory for the largely unappreciated Union cavalry, and something of an embarrassment for the unprepared Confederate troopers.  The Civil War Trust has preserved 1,798 acres of the battlefield. 

Joe Hooker.  "Fightin'" Joe Hooker took command of the Army of the Potomac in the spring of 1863, shortly after the disaster at the Battle of Fredericksburg.  His new plan for striking Lee's forces required the most powerful cavalry wing that the Union had ever put in the field.  The cavalry, whose timidity had made them the laughingstock of the army, was reorganized to accommodate a centralized command structure and refitted with some of the most advanced firearms available.  Over the coming months, the battles of Kelly's Ford and Brandy Station would prove that Hooker's reforms had worked. 

Joe Hooker.  "Fightin'" Joe Hooker took command of the Army of the Potomac in the spring of 1863, shortly after the disaster at the Battle of Fredericksburg.  His new plan for striking Lee's forces required the most powerful cavalry wing that the Union had ever put in the field.  The cavalry, whose timidity had made them the laughingstock of the army, was reorganized to accommodate a centralized command structure and refitted with some of the most advanced firearms available.  Over the coming months, the battles of Kelly's Ford and Brandy Station would prove that Hooker's reforms had worked. 

Joe Hooker.  "Fightin'" Joe Hooker took command of the Army of the Potomac in the spring of 1863, shortly after the disaster at the Battle of Fredericksburg.  His new plan for striking Lee's forces required the most powerful cavalry wing that the Union had ever put in the field.  The cavalry, whose timidity had made them the laughingstock of the army, was reorganized to accommodate a centralized command structure and refitted with some of the most advanced firearms available.  Over the coming months, the battles of Kelly's Ford and Brandy Station would prove that Hooker's reforms had worked. 

George Custer.  Custer led the 6th Michigan regiment at Gettysburg.  On the third day of the battle J.E.B. Stuart launched an attack on the rear of the Union army across a stretch of land now known as East Cavalry Field.  Had he been successful, the outcome of Pickett's Charge, and of the battle, could have been very different.  The stubborn resistance of Custer and the Union cavalry protected the Union position on Cemetery Ridge.  The Civil War Trust has preserved more than 270 acres of the crucial East Cavalry Field. 

George Custer.  Custer led the 6th Michigan regiment at Gettysburg.  On the third day of the battle J.E.B. Stuart launched an attack on the rear of the Union army across a stretch of land now known as East Cavalry Field.  Had he been successful, the outcome of Pickett's Charge, and of the battle, could have been very different.  The stubborn resistance of Custer and the Union cavalry protected the Union position on Cemetery Ridge.  The Civil War Trust has preserved more than 270 acres of the crucial East Cavalry Field. 

George Custer.  Custer led the 6th Michigan regiment at Gettysburg.  On the third day of the battle J.E.B. Stuart launched an attack on the rear of the Union army across a stretch of land now known as East Cavalry Field.  Had he been successful, the outcome of Pickett's Charge, and of the battle, could have been very different.  The stubborn resistance of Custer and the Union cavalry protected the Union position on Cemetery Ridge.  The Civil War Trust has preserved more than 270 acres of the crucial East Cavalry Field. 

Trevilian Station.  During the Overland Campaign of 1864, in an attempt to fool Robert E. Lee and beat him to Petersburg, Ulysses S. Grant ordered Phil Sheridan to launch a large cavalry raid that would both divert the attention of the Confederate cavalry and cut Lee's army off from the supplies provided by railroad from the verdant Shenandoah Valley.  Wade Hampton moved to intercept Sheridan and brought him to battle at Trevilian Station on June 11.  15,000 cavalrymen met in a bloody two-day engagement that ended with Sheridan's retreat.  Trevilian Station is the largest "all-cavalry" battle of the war--about 5,000 more men were involved in the "mostly-cavalry" Battle of Brandy Station, but that number included a significant portion of infantry.  The Civil War Trust has saved 1,713 acres at Trevilian Station. 

Trevilian Station.  During the Overland Campaign of 1864, in an attempt to fool Robert E. Lee and beat him to Petersburg, Ulysses S. Grant ordered Phil Sheridan to launch a large cavalry raid that would both divert the attention of the Confederate cavalry and cut Lee's army off from the supplies provided by railroad from the verdant Shenandoah Valley.  Wade Hampton moved to intercept Sheridan and brought him to battle at Trevilian Station on June 11.  15,000 cavalrymen met in a bloody two-day engagement that ended with Sheridan's retreat.  Trevilian Station is the largest "all-cavalry" battle of the war--about 5,000 more men were involved in the "mostly-cavalry" Battle of Brandy Station, but that number included a significant portion of infantry.  The Civil War Trust has saved 1,713 acres at Trevilian Station. 

Trevilian Station.  During the Overland Campaign of 1864, in an attempt to fool Robert E. Lee and beat him to Petersburg, Ulysses S. Grant ordered Phil Sheridan to launch a large cavalry raid that would both divert the attention of the Confederate cavalry and cut Lee's army off from the supplies provided by railroad from the verdant Shenandoah Valley.  Wade Hampton moved to intercept Sheridan and brought him to battle at Trevilian Station on June 11.  15,000 cavalrymen met in a bloody two-day engagement that ended with Sheridan's retreat.  Trevilian Station is the largest "all-cavalry" battle of the war--about 5,000 more men were involved in the "mostly-cavalry" Battle of Brandy Station, but that number included a significant portion of infantry.  The Civil War Trust has saved 1,713 acres at Trevilian Station. 

John Hunt Morgan.  "Morgan's Raid," in the summer of 1863, was meant to divert Union attention from the siege of Vicksburg.  His incursion was a dramatic event that inflicted considerable damage to supply depots and caused great frustration for the Northern high command, but it did not prevent the fall of Vicksburg.  The Confederate cavalrymen were finally surrounded and forced to surrender on July 26.  The loss of such a valuable officer and his men washed out any positive effect the raid might have had, even though Morgan managed to escape from prison in November.  

John Hunt Morgan.  "Morgan's Raid," in the summer of 1863, was meant to divert Union attention from the siege of Vicksburg.  His incursion was a dramatic event that inflicted considerable damage to supply depots and caused great frustration for the Northern high command, but it did not prevent the fall of Vicksburg.  The Confederate cavalrymen were finally surrounded and forced to surrender on July 26.  The loss of such a valuable officer and his men washed out any positive effect the raid might have had, even though Morgan managed to escape from prison in November.  

John Hunt Morgan.  "Morgan's Raid," in the summer of 1863, was meant to divert Union attention from the siege of Vicksburg.  His incursion was a dramatic event that inflicted considerable damage to supply depots and caused great frustration for the Northern high command, but it did not prevent the fall of Vicksburg.  The Confederate cavalrymen were finally surrounded and forced to surrender on July 26.  The loss of such a valuable officer and his men washed out any positive effect the raid might have had, even though Morgan managed to escape from prison in November.  

Third Winchester.  In the closing stages of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, Phil Sheridan caught up with Jubal Early's retreating Confederate army at Winchester.  He pinned Early's men in place with a frontal assault while three divisions of cavalry approached the lightly defended Confederate left flank.  As the grey line began to buckle in front of Sheridan's infantry, 8,000 horsemen thundered into Early's rear and turned his defeat into a full-scale rout.  Sheridan's success contributed to his eventual appointment as chief cavalry officer in the Army of the Potomac.  The Civil War Trust has saved 442 acres at Third Winchester. 

Third Winchester.  In the closing stages of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, Phil Sheridan caught up with Jubal Early's retreating Confederate army at Winchester.  He pinned Early's men in place with a frontal assault while three divisions of cavalry approached the lightly defended Confederate left flank.  As the grey line began to buckle in front of Sheridan's infantry, 8,000 horsemen thundered into Early's rear and turned his defeat into a full-scale rout.  Sheridan's success contributed to his eventual appointment as chief cavalry officer in the Army of the Potomac.  The Civil War Trust has saved 442 acres at Third Winchester. 

Third Winchester.  In the closing stages of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, Phil Sheridan caught up with Jubal Early's retreating Confederate army at Winchester.  He pinned Early's men in place with a frontal assault while three divisions of cavalry approached the lightly defended Confederate left flank.  As the grey line began to buckle in front of Sheridan's infantry, 8,000 horsemen thundered into Early's rear and turned his defeat into a full-scale rout.  Sheridan's success contributed to his eventual appointment as chief cavalry officer in the Army of the Potomac.  The Civil War Trust has saved 442 acres at Third Winchester. 

Judson Kilpatrick.  Kilpatrick's nickname was not a compliment.  It referred to his tendency to get his own cavalrymen killed in battle.  At Second Manassas and Gettysburg he ordered unsupported cavalry charges that both ended in disaster.  His tactical ineptitude, along with his affinity for gambling and prostitution, made him deeply unpopular throughout the army.  Still, the successes occasioned by his reckless, aggressive style of fighting sustained his career through the end of the war.  When he was transferred to the western theater to participate in the March to the Sea, Sherman is said to have remarked, "I know that Kilpatrick is a hell of a damned fool, but I want just that sort of man to command my cavalry on this expedition."

Judson Kilpatrick.  Kilpatrick's nickname was not a compliment.  It referred to his tendency to get his own cavalrymen killed in battle.  At Second Manassas and Gettysburg he ordered unsupported cavalry charges that both ended in disaster.  His tactical ineptitude, along with his affinity for gambling and prostitution, made him deeply unpopular throughout the army.  Still, the successes occasioned by his reckless, aggressive style of fighting sustained his career through the end of the war.  When he was transferred to the western theater to participate in the March to the Sea, Sherman is said to have remarked, "I know that Kilpatrick is a hell of a damned fool, but I want just that sort of man to command my cavalry on this expedition."

Judson Kilpatrick.  Kilpatrick's nickname was not a compliment.  It referred to his tendency to get his own cavalrymen killed in battle.  At Second Manassas and Gettysburg he ordered unsupported cavalry charges that both ended in disaster.  His tactical ineptitude, along with his affinity for gambling and prostitution, made him deeply unpopular throughout the army.  Still, the successes occasioned by his reckless, aggressive style of fighting sustained his career through the end of the war.  When he was transferred to the western theater to participate in the March to the Sea, Sherman is said to have remarked, "I know that Kilpatrick is a hell of a damned fool, but I want just that sort of man to command my cavalry on this expedition."

Nathan Bedford Forrest.  Forrest was one of the best cavalry officers that served in the western theater, perhaps one of the best in the entire war.  He was a highly effective raider and an uncommonly aggressive fighter even in the open field.  The quote is probably apocryphal--Forrest was a reasonably well-educated businessman before the war--although it is widely attributed to him and seems to be an accurate expression of his strategic philosophy.  After the war, Forrest returned to business and became a Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. 

Nathan Bedford Forrest.  Forrest was one of the best cavalry officers that served in the western theater, perhaps one of the best in the entire war.  He was a highly effective raider and an uncommonly aggressive fighter even in the open field.  The quote is probably apocryphal--Forrest was a reasonably well-educated businessman before the war--although it is widely attributed to him and seems to be an accurate expression of his strategic philosophy.  After the war, Forrest returned to business and became a Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. 

Nathan Bedford Forrest.  Forrest was one of the best cavalry officers that served in the western theater, perhaps one of the best in the entire war.  He was a highly effective raider and an uncommonly aggressive fighter even in the open field.  The quote is probably apocryphal--Forrest was a reasonably well-educated businessman before the war--although it is widely attributed to him and seems to be an accurate expression of his strategic philosophy.  After the war, Forrest returned to business and became a Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. 

Turner Ashby.  Ashby served with distinction in Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign of 1862.  His nickname came from his striking personal appearance and bearing as well as his tendency to ride black horses.  He was killed at the Battle of Good's Farm while leading an infantry charge after his horse had been shot.  Describing Ashby's contributions in rather chivalric language, Henry Kyd Douglas wrote that "the [Shenandoah] Valley loved him and loves him yet.  During the war he had not left her for a single day.  He had watched over her without ceasing.  He had made memorable her hills and streams; and the people along the hills still weep for him, and the forests echo their lamentations." 

Turner Ashby.  Ashby served with distinction in Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign of 1862.  His nickname came from his striking personal appearance and bearing as well as his tendency to ride black horses.  He was killed at the Battle of Good's Farm while leading an infantry charge after his horse had been shot.  Describing Ashby's contributions in rather chivalric language, Henry Kyd Douglas wrote that "the [Shenandoah] Valley loved him and loves him yet.  During the war he had not left her for a single day.  He had watched over her without ceasing.  He had made memorable her hills and streams; and the people along the hills still weep for him, and the forests echo their lamentations." 

Turner Ashby.  Ashby served with distinction in Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign of 1862.  His nickname came from his striking personal appearance and bearing as well as his tendency to ride black horses.  He was killed at the Battle of Good's Farm while leading an infantry charge after his horse had been shot.  Describing Ashby's contributions in rather chivalric language, Henry Kyd Douglas wrote that "the [Shenandoah] Valley loved him and loves him yet.  During the war he had not left her for a single day.  He had watched over her without ceasing.  He had made memorable her hills and streams; and the people along the hills still weep for him, and the forests echo their lamentations." 

The Battle of Sailor's Creek.  After the Union success at Petersburg, Lee's Army of Northern Virginia withdrawal was cut off at Sailor's Creek on April 6, 1865.  Union cavalry under Phil Sheridan was blocking his way.  Using their horses to outrun Lee's army before dismounting and forming defensive lines that took advantage of their rapid-firing carbines and repeating rifles, Sheridan's men had unwittingly executed a maneuver that foreshadowed the use of mechanized infantry in the years to come.  The Confederates could not advance in the face of such firepower and were eventually devastated by attacking Union infantry, which had been given time to deploy by the quick movement and determined resistance of their cavalry counterparts. 

The Battle of Sailor's Creek.  After the Union success at Petersburg, Lee's Army of Northern Virginia withdrawal was cut off at Sailor's Creek on April 6, 1865.  Union cavalry under Phil Sheridan was blocking his way.  Using their horses to outrun Lee's army before dismounting and forming defensive lines that took advantage of their rapid-firing carbines and repeating rifles, Sheridan's men had unwittingly executed a maneuver that foreshadowed the use of mechanized infantry in the years to come.  The Confederates could not advance in the face of such firepower and were eventually devastated by attacking Union infantry, which had been given time to deploy by the quick movement and determined resistance of their cavalry counterparts. 

The Battle of Sailor's Creek.  After the Union success at Petersburg, Lee's Army of Northern Virginia withdrawal was cut off at Sailor's Creek on April 6, 1865.  Union cavalry under Phil Sheridan was blocking his way.  Using their horses to outrun Lee's army before dismounting and forming defensive lines that took advantage of their rapid-firing carbines and repeating rifles, Sheridan's men had unwittingly executed a maneuver that foreshadowed the use of mechanized infantry in the years to come.  The Confederates could not advance in the face of such firepower and were eventually devastated by attacking Union infantry, which had been given time to deploy by the quick movement and determined resistance of their cavalry counterparts. 

Tanks and helicopters.  Since the Civil War, soldiers mounted on horseback have become technologically obsolete.  However, the late-war recognition of the potential of a fast-moving, hard-hitting attack force outlasted its equine shell.  That fundamental philosophy shaped the slashing tank warfare of World War II--George Patton was originally a cavalry officer--and the widespread use of helicopters--"air cavalry"--in Vietnam.  150 years later, today's 1st U.S. Cavalry Division still bears the marks of the cavalry wing that Phil Sheridan envisioned and led in 1865. 

Tanks and helicopters.  Since the Civil War, soldiers mounted on horseback have become technologically obsolete.  However, the late-war recognition of the potential of a fast-moving, hard-hitting attack force outlasted its equine shell.  That fundamental philosophy shaped the slashing tank warfare of World War II--George Patton was originally a cavalry officer--and the widespread use of helicopters--"air cavalry"--in Vietnam.  150 years later, today's 1st U.S. Cavalry Division still bears the marks of the cavalry wing that Phil Sheridan envisioned and led in 1865. 

Tanks and helicopters.  Since the Civil War, soldiers mounted on horseback have become technologically obsolete.  However, the late-war recognition of the potential of a fast-moving, hard-hitting attack force outlasted its equine shell.  That fundamental philosophy shaped the slashing tank warfare of World War II--George Patton was originally a cavalry officer--and the widespread use of helicopters--"air cavalry"--in Vietnam.  150 years later, today's 1st U.S. Cavalry Division still bears the marks of the cavalry wing that Phil Sheridan envisioned and led in 1865.