What was the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
Although many associate the Civil War with eastern battlefields like Antietam or the Wilderness, the fight over slavery in the United States extended much further west. In March of 1862, the war brought a battle to Glorieta Pass. Some refer to the battle as the Gettysburg of the West due to its overall significance to the war.
What did Colonel Scurry say about the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
After the retreat of his army to Santa Fe from the battlefield at Glorieta Pass, Colonel Scurry reported what he considered a Confederate victory to General Sibley. Santa Fe, N. Mex., March 30, 1862GENERAL: I arrived here this morning with my command and have taken quarters for the present in this city.
What happened at the Battle of pigeon’s ranch?
Meanwhile, the majority of both forces fought in a fierce battle at Glorieta Pass near Pigeon’s Ranch that lasted from late morning to near dark. The Confederates pushed the Union forces from the high ground and drove them east down the Santa Fe Trail.
Where did the Battle of Glorieta Mesa take place?
The heart of the battle occurred within a two-mile stretch of the Santa Fe Trail. The most important force, however, bypassed this area. About 500 Union soldiers made their way up Glorieta Mesa in the morning. Their instructions were to work their way around and attack the Confederates from the rear.
What was the outcome of the Glorieta Pass?
Glorieta Pass is commonly referred to as the “Gettysburg of the West.” It was here that Federal forces were finally able to turn back the Confederate invasion of the New Mexico Territory.
What does the Battle of Glorieta Pass prove?
The Federals proved to be victorious because they were able to destroy all Confederate supplies. All other Confederate attempts to attack Fort Union proved fruitless and they slowly withdrew from the territory. The Union retained control the American Southwest for the rest of the Civil War. Want to learn more?
Which side won the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
UnionBattle of Glorieta PassDateMarch 26–28, 1862LocationNew Mexico Territory; United StatesResultTactical draw, strategic Union victory
Where did the Battle of Glorieta Pass happen?
Santa Fe CountyNew Mexico TerritorySan Miguel CountyBattle of Glorieta Pass/Locations
When did the Battle of Glorieta Pass end?
March 26, 1862 – March 28, 1862Battle of Glorieta Pass / Period
Why was the battle of the Sabine Pass important?
The battle of Sabine Pass, on September 8, 1863, turned back one of several Union attempts to invade and occupy part of Texas during the Civil War. The United States Navy blockaded the Texas coast beginning in the summer of 1861, while Confederates fortified the major ports.
What was the name of the final battle of the Civil War?
Appomattox Courthouse Fought on April 9 1865, the final battle between the forces of General Ulysses Grant and General Robert E Lee was the Battle of Appomattox Court House. Lee had spent the previous year defending Richmond but decided at this point to try and move south to link up with other Confederate forces.
Who won the first battle of Bull Run?
ConfederateThe end result of the battle was a Confederate victory and Federal forces retreated to the defenses of Washington, DC. One week later, General George McClellan was appointed head of the Army of the Potomac. The three maps cited below all use the name “Bull Run” to identify the battle.
Who won the battle of Galveston Island?
Confederate victoryBattle of GalvestonDate January 1, 1863 Location Galveston, Texas Result Confederate victoryBelligerentsUnited States (Union)Confederate States (Confederacy)Commanders and leaders9 more rows
Who won the Siege of Vicksburg?
Union victoryThe Siege of Vicksburg (May 18, 1863-July 4, 1863) was a decisive Union victory during the American Civil War (1861-65) that divided the confederacy and cemented the reputation of Union General Ulysses S. Grant (1822-85).
What is the fight for Apache Canyon?
The Battle of Apache Pass was fought in 1862 at Apache Pass, Arizona, in the United States, between Apache warriors and the Union volunteers of the California Column as it marched from California to capture Confederate Arizona and to reinforce New Mexico's Union army....Battle of Apache Pass.DateJuly 15–16, 1862ResultUnited States victory1 more row
Why was the Battle of Fredericksburg important?
The Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865. The Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862 was one of the most significant battles of the war. It was a battle with many Union casualties, the largest river crossing of the war, and it also acted as a boost for the Confederate hopes of victory.
Who won the battle of Galveston Island?
Confederate victoryBattle of GalvestonDate January 1, 1863 Location Galveston, Texas Result Confederate victoryBelligerentsUnited States (Union)Confederate States (Confederacy)Commanders and leaders9 more rows
Who won the Siege of Vicksburg?
Union victoryThe Siege of Vicksburg (May 18, 1863-July 4, 1863) was a decisive Union victory during the American Civil War (1861-65) that divided the confederacy and cemented the reputation of Union General Ulysses S. Grant (1822-85).
Who won the battle of Bull Run?
ConfederateThe end result of the battle was a Confederate victory and Federal forces retreated to the defenses of Washington, DC. One week later, General George McClellan was appointed head of the Army of the Potomac. The three maps cited below all use the name “Bull Run” to identify the battle.
What did the Confederate government do in 1862?
Hoping to expand westward, the Confederate government in 1862 sought to enforce its claim to the Confederate Arizona Territory with support from local secessionists. To cut off Union supplies and reinforcements to the area, Confederate Brig. Gen. Henry H. Sibley had captured Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Sibley next hoped to control the Santa Fe Trail passes through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the north. Sibley's Confederates in the area were a few hundred mounted volunteers from Texas commanded by Major Charles L. Pyron. On March 26th, Pyron advanced to Glorieta Pass on the trail and skirmished inconsequentially with Colorado infantry and regular U. S. Cavalry posted in Apache Canyon. Both sides gathered reinforcements the next day. On March 28th, Confederate reinforcements under Lieut. Col. William Scurry attacked the Federals under Colonel John P. Slough resting and filling canteens near Pigeon’s Ranch. The fighting dragged on throughout the day, as the Confederates gradually forced Slough to retreat eastward. When a detachment of Union infantry burned their supply train, the Rebels were forced to retreat. Glorieta Pass is commonly referred to as the “Gettysburg of the West.” It was here that Federal forces were finally able to turn back the Confederate invasion of the New Mexico Territory.
What was the name of the battle that forced the Confederates to retreat eastward?
Glorieta Pass is commonly referred to as the “Gettysburg of the West. ”.
Who commanded the Santa Fe Trail?
Sibley's Confederates in the area were a few hundred mounted volunteers from Texas commanded by Major Charles L. Pyron.
Why did the Confederates retreat from the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
First, despite the fact that the Confederates took the field, they were forced to retreat to Santa Fe due to the destruction of their supplies and eventually abandon New Mexico Territory.
What is the highest priority in the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
The Battle of Glorieta Pass received the highest rating from the commission, priority I (class A). Class A battlefields are principal strategic operations having a direct impact on the course of the war. With this rating the commission placed Glorieta Pass on the same level as battles such as Gettysburg and Antietam.
How many acres are there in the Battlefield of Glorieta Pass?
The Civil War Trust (a division of the American Battlefield Trust) and its partners have acquired and preserved 19 acres (7.7 ha) of the Glorieta Pass battlefield. The Glorieta Pass Battlefield is also designated as a National Historic Landmark.
What was the name of the battle in New Mexico?
Engagements in Union New Mexico. Glorieta Pass. Albuquerque. Peralta. Big Bug. Pecos River. Canyon de Chelly. The Battle of Glorieta Pass (March 26–28, 1862) in the northern New Mexico Territory, was the decisive battle of the New Mexico campaign during the American Civil War. Dubbed the " Gettysburg of the West" by some authors (a term described ...
What was the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
The Battle of Glorieta Pass (March 26–28, 1862) in the northern New Mexico Territory, was the decisive battle of the New Mexico campaign during the American Civil War. Dubbed the " Gettysburg of the West" by some authors (a term described as one that "serves the novelist better than the historian"), ...
What was Sibley's main objective in the Battle of Glorieta?
Second, the battle at Glorieta foiled Sibley's plan to obtain his key objective: the capture of the major federal base at Fort Union. That would have broken federal resistance in New Mexico and compelled Union forces to retire north of Raton Pass and back into Colorado Territory.
How long did it take to march to Fort Union?
Prior to the battle Union forces performed a forced march from Denver, over Raton Pass, to Fort Union and then to Glorieta Pass, covering the distance of 400 miles (600 km) in 14 days. Combat commenced shortly after their arrival at the battlefield, leaving them little time to recuperate.
How many soldiers would go west along the Santa Fe Trail?
Slough's 900 soldiers would proceed west along the Santa Fe Trail and block Glorieta Pass, while Chivington and Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Chavez of the New Mexico Volunteers would take 450 men over Glorieta Mesa to attack the Confederate right flank or rearguard.
What was the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg?
Referred to as the "Gettysburg of the West" by many historians, this running battle along canyon and ridge from March 26-28, 1862 culminated in the retreat back to Texas of the invading Confederate forces. Glorieta Pass was another great turning point in the Civil War, the battle that shattered the western dreams of the Confederate States ...
Where is Glorieta Pass Battlefield?
The battlefield is located off I-25 about 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day and until 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tours and access to the battlefield are ranger-guided and available by reservation only. For more information, contact Pecos National Historical Park, P.O. Box 418, Pecos, New Mexico 87552, or visit the park's web site.
What territory did the Confederacy declare?
On January 18, 1862, the Confederacy declared that the southern half of the United States' New Mexico Territory would become the Confederate Territory of Arizona. Sibley ordered his men to move north towards Albuquerque, launching a winter invasion up the Rio Grande valley.
Where did the Confederate troops go in the Battle of Apache Canyon?
They discovered and captured a Confederate scouting party in Glorieta Pass, then ran into the main body of the Confederate force in Apache Canyon, about 16 miles east of Santa Fe. A two-hour scrimmage, known as the Battle of Apache Canyon, ensued.
What is the difference between standard C and standard F?
Standard C - The student describes the ways family, gender, ethnicity, nationality, and institutional affiliations contribute to personal identity. Standard F - The student identifies and describes the influence of perception, attitudes, values, and beliefs on personal identity.
What is standard 2E?
Standard 2E- The student understands the settlement of the West.Era 5: Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877) Standard 2A- The student understands how the resources of the Union and Confederacy affected the course of the war.
What was Chivington's goal?
Chivington was given orders to take his men in a circling movement with the goal of striking the Confederate flank as Slough engaged their front. In the Confederate camp, Scurry also planned an advance with the goal of attacking at the Union troops in the pass.
What was the attack on Pyron's line?
Chivington Attacks. Assaulting Pyron's line, Chivington's initial attack was beaten back by Confederate artillery. He then split his force in two and repeatedly flanked Pyron's men forcing them to retreat twice. As Pyron fell back a second time, Chivington's cavalry swept in and captured the Confederate rearguard.
How many people died in the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
Union casualties at the Battle of Glorieta Pass numbered 51 killed, 78 wounded, and 15 captured. Confederate forces suffered 48 killed, 80 wounded, and 92 captured. While a tactical Confederate victory, the Battle of Glorieta Pass proved to be a key strategic win for the Union.
What was the name of the base that Sibley captured along the Santa Fe Trail?
The capture of the pass would allow Sibley to advance and capture Fort Union , a key base along the Santa Fe Trail. Camping at Apache Canyon in Glorieta Pass, Pyron's men were attacked on March 26 by 418 Union soldiers led by Major John M. Chivington.
Why did Sibley withdraw from the Union?
Due to the loss of his supply train, Sibley was forced to withdraw back to Texas, ultimately arriving at San Antonio. The defeat of Sibley's New Mexico Campaign effectively ended Confederate designs on the Southwest and the area remained in Union hands for the duration of the war.
Where did Chivington go to camp?
Consolidating his forces, Chivington went into camp at Kozlowski's Ranch. On the following day the battlefield was quiet as both sides were reinforced.
When was the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
Updated November 04, 2019. The Battle of Glorieta Pass was fought March 26-28, 1862, during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and was the culminating engagement of the New Mexico Campaign. Pushing into the New Mexico Territory in early 1862, Brigadier General Henry H. Sibley sought to drive Union forces from the region ...
New Mexico Campaign
The Confederacy had organized the Confederate Arizona Territory in 1862, a claim that included the southern halves of modern Arizona and New Mexico, after secession moves by residents. The territory had its capital at Mesilla, outside modern Las Cruces.
Opposing forces
The Confederates were led by Charles L. Pyron and William Read Scurry. During the battle on March 26, Pyron had his battalion of the 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles, four companies of the 5th Texas Mounted Rifles under Maj. John Shropshire, and two cannons. Scurry’s force included nine companies of the 4th Texas Mounted Rifles under Maj.
Apache Canyon
Pyron’s force of 300 camped at Apache Canyon, at one end of Glorieta Pass, leaving a picket post of fifty men at the summit of the pass. Chivington led 418 soldiers to the Pass and on the morning of March 26 moved out to attack. After noon, Chivington’s men captured the picket post and then found the main force behind them.
Glorieta Pass
Glorieta Pass battlefield. This photograph was taken in 1990 from Sharpshooter’s Ridge, just north of Pigeon’s Ranch. It was the location of the Union right flank during the last day’s battle.
Controversy
Many New Mexicans disputed the view that Chivington was the hero of Johnson’s Ranch. Some Santa Feans credited a Bureau of Indian Affairs official, James L. Collins, with suggesting the roundabout attack on the supply train.
Effects of the Federal victory
In the end, the Battle of Glorieta Pass proved remarkably important. First, despite the fact that the Confederates took the field, they were forced to retreat back to Santa Fe due to the destruction of their supplies and eventually abandon New Mexico Territory.
Battlefield preservation
In 1993, the Congressionally appointed Civil War Sites Advisory Commission issued its “Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields.” The Commission was tasked with identifying the nation’s historically significant Civil War sites, determining their importance, and providing recommendations for their preservation to Congress.
What was at stake in the Battle of Shiloh?
At stake was control of the vast, sparsely populated but mineral rich region that is today’s Southwest and Intermountain West. The invasion of New Mexico by Confederate Texans ...
What was Sibley's plan to invade Colorado?
Capture of the military goods and food there was absolutely necessary for Sibley’s plan to invade Colorado and secure the wealth of its booming mining regions for the Confederacy. In early February 1862, Sibley left Col. Steele and half the 7th Texas at Fort Bliss and moved north.
What territory did Sibley lead?
Sibley proposed to lead a mounted force to New Mexico, live off the land, defeat the Federal forces encountered and secure the military supplies and natural resources of the territory (encompassing modern New Mexico and Arizona, as well as part of Nevada) for the Confederacy.
Why did the Union move down the trail?
It was here that Union forces under Maj. Chivington prepared to move down the trail to stop the Confederate forces advancing into the New Mexico territory. After the battle, hospital tents were set up to tend to the wounded.
Why did the Confederates retreat to Santa Fe?
The Confederates retreated to Santa Fe to recover their strength and replace their supplies, and plan another advance on Fort Union.
Where did the Union vanguard march?
After marching five miles, the Union vanguard passed Pigeon’s Ranch, another major way station on the Santa Fe Trail, then crested Glorieta Pass and descended into the eastern reaches of Apache Canyon. At the same time, Pyron had halted less than two miles ahead, on an open, flat shelf north of Galisteo Creek.
Where was the Battle of Valverde?
The Battle of Valverde, fought in the Rio Grande bottomlands north of Fort Craig on February 21, was the largest and westernmost battle of the Civil War campaign in New Mexico. The fortunes of war swayed repeatedly, but by evening the Texans had captured one of the two Union artillery batteries and driven Canby back to Fort Craig.
What did the Coloradoans do to the wagons?
The Coloradoans destroyed the wagons, set the supplies ablaze, and freed several Union prisoners while capturing many of the Confederates guards. This was indeed the sum total of the Confederate resupply, and without it, they were crippled. Meanwhile, the battle raged on near Pigeon’s Ranch.
How many men did Chivington have in the Colorado battle?
The Coloradoans planned to divide their forces as well, putting Chivington in charge of a 400-man column that included troops from the 1st Colorado, 5th U.S. Infantry, and some New Mexico militia.
What did Sibley drink?
He was also prone to drinking prodigious amounts of whiskey. In mid-September 1861, Sibley arrived in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, to present his plan to seize control of a large part of the American West and place it under Rebel control.
Why did Gilpin donate guns to the Union?
As rumors of an imminent invasion from the South grew, Gilpin organized the purchase and donation of all the guns in Denver in order to arm a Union force and leave nothing in the way of arms for Confederate sympathizers.
How did Slough make enemies?
Already unpopular with his own men, Slough made more enemies by establishing himself as the post commander over Colonel Gabriel Paul by virtue of date of rank. Paul, a career officer, was promoted to colonel a matter of months after Slough was appointed colonel by Governor Gilpin.
How long did the 1st Colorado move?
The 1st Colorado moved this way for two weeks. During the journey, Colonel Slough made an unpopular move when a shortage of available wagons did not allow for even distribution among the companies. Most companies within the regiment were allotted two wagons, but one company would have to make do with one.
What would happen if the West Coast was controlled?
Control of the West Coast would also pique the military interest of Europe and perhaps Asia, while establishing trade with countries of those continents. This would do much to increase the legitimacy of the Confederate cause in the eyes of European and Asian governments, and perhaps an alliance could be struck.
What was the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
Taking place in what is now the state of New Mexico, the Battle of Glorieta Pass occurred in 1862. At that time, the area was known as simply New Mexico Territory. It was part of the New Mexico Campaign, led by the Confederacy, as a way to gain control of the Southwest. If able to do so, the Confederacy would not only have gained territory, but also considerable advantage and much-needed wealth through the gold fields in Colorado and California.
What were the two main contenders for the Civil War?
The U.S. Civil War’s leading contenders were, of course, the Union, made up of the Northern states, and the Confederacy, made up of the Southern states. Most would assume that is where the war’s geographical influence stopped. After all, the United States was a much smaller country at the time.
Who was the main player in the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
The two main players in the battle were the Confederate brigadier general Henry Hopkins Sibley and the Union Colonel Edward Canby. Sibley had experienced previous victories by capturing both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, before the Battle of Glorieta Pass.
Overview
The Battle of Glorieta Pass (March 26–28, 1862) in the northern New Mexico Territory, was the decisive battle of the New Mexico campaign during the American Civil War. Dubbed the "Gettysburg of the West" by some authors (a term described as one that "serves the novelist better than the historian"), it was intended as the decisive blow by Confederate forces to break the Union possessi…
New Mexico campaign
The lower portion of the New Mexico Territory had been largely neglected by both the federal government and the territorial government in Santa Fe. As a result, Confederate sympathy was strong, in hopes of receiving better treatment by the new government. Following secession moves by residents, Confederate forces seized Mesilla and captured the federal troops there, who made a halfhearted attempt to retreat to Santa Fe. In early 1862 the Confederacy established the Conf…
Battle
The Confederates were led by Charles L. Pyron and William Read Scurry. During the battle on March 26, Pyron had his battalion of the 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles, four companies of the 5th Texas Mounted Rifles under Maj. John Shropshire and two cannons. Scurry's force included nine companies of the 4th Texas Mounted Rifles under Maj. Henry Raguet, five companies of the 7th Texas Mounted Rifles under …
Controversy
Many New Mexicans disputed the view that Chivington was the hero of Johnson's Ranch. Many Santa Fe residents credited James L. Collins, a Bureau of Indian Affairs official, who had suggested the roundabout attack on the supply train. Chivington had actually been sent out in hopes of making a flank attack, and the discovery of the supply train was a lucky accident. He was also accused of almost letting the opportunity slip by him. On January 23, 1864, the New Mexic…
Aftermath
In the end, the Battle of Glorieta Pass was consequential. First, despite the fact that the Confederates took the field, they were forced to retreat to Santa Fe due to the destruction of their supplies and eventually abandon New Mexico Territory. Second, the battle at Glorieta foiled Sibley's plan to obtain his key objective: the capture of the major federal base at Fort Union. That would hav…
Battlefield preservation
In 1987 two Confederate burial sites were discovered at Pigeon's Ranch. One was the solitary grave of Maj. John Samuel Shropshire, the other was a mass grave of 30 Confederates. Only Shropshire and five others could be positively identified. On August 5, 1990, Maj. Shropshire's remains were reburied next to his parents in his family's cemetery in Bourbon County, Kentucky. The remaini…
Depictions in popular culture
The 1966 Sergio Leone film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly refers obliquely to the battle, setting one scene during the post-battle retreat of Sibley's men.
The battle is described in the 1999 historical novel Glorieta Pass by P. G. Nagle.
The events at Johnson's Ranch are depicted in Elmer Kelton's 2009 novel, Many A River, with some changes to fit them to his plot.
Notes
1. ^ ABPP: Glorieta Pass
2. ^ Civil War Trust: Battle of Glorieta Pass
3. ^ Josephy, p. 81
4. ^ Colorado Volunteers in the Civil War: The New Mexico Campaign in 1862 – William Clarke Whitford. Internet Archive. p. 112. Retrieved March 28, 2015. Major Buckholts killed 1862.