Battle of Glorieta Pass
- Conflict: American Civil War (1861-1865)
- Date: March 26-28, 1862
- Armies and Commanders:
- Union
- Colonel John P. Slough
- Major John Chivington
- 1,300 men
- Confederates
- Major Charles L. Pyron
- Lieutenant Colonel William R. Scurry
| Battle of Glorieta Pass | |
|---|---|
| United States | Confederate States |
| Commanders and leaders | |
| John P. Slough John M. Chivington | Charles L. Pyron William R. Scurry Henry H. Sibley |
| Units involved | |
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.
How many soldiers did it take to defend Glorieta Pass?
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 are some good books about the Battle of Glorieta?
The Battle of Glorieta: Union Victory in the West. Texas A&M University Press, 1996. ISBN 0-89096-825-X. Scott, Robert. "Glory, Glory, Glorieta: The Gettysburg of the West." Johnson Books, 1992. ISBN 1-55566-098-3. Simmons, Mark. "The Battle at Valley's Ranch: First account of the Gettysburg of the West, 1862."
Who helped to defeat the Confederates at the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
A Confederate attack late in the afternoon pushed the Union troops further down the pass, but nightfall halted the advance. Union troops snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when Major John Chivington led an attack on the Confederate supply train, burning 90 wagons and killing 800 animals.
What happened in the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
In the spring of 1862, Federal forces under the command of John P. Slough attacked and defeated a Confederate force near Glorieta Pass, New Mexico, ending a Southern invasion. Union Victory.
Who won the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
Consequences of the battle There were about 375 casualties over the three days of fighting. 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.
Who is the Confederate general?
Robert E. LeeRobert E. Lee commanded the Army of Northern Virginia, the most successful of the Southern armies during the American Civil War, and ultimately commanded all the Confederate armies. As the military leader of the defeated Confederacy, Lee became a symbol of the American South.
When did the Battle of Glorieta Pass end?
March 26, 1862 – March 28, 1862Battle of Glorieta Pass / Period
Where is the Glorieta Pass Battlefield?
Santa Fe CountyNew Mexico TerritorySan Miguel CountyBattle of Glorieta Pass/Locations
Why did the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
Eventually the Confederates had to withdraw entirely from the territory back into Confederate Arizona and then Texas. Glorieta Pass thus represented the climax of the campaign....Battle of Glorieta Pass.DateMarch 26–28, 1862ResultTactical draw, strategic Union victory1 more row
When did the Battle of Glorieta Pass happen?
March 26, 1862Battle of Glorieta Pass / Start date
Why was the Battle of Sabine Pass important?
The First Battle of Sabine Pass (1862), little more than a quick Confederate surrender, allowed the Union to maintain domination over a huge swath of land by controlling the railroad between Beaumont and Houston and river transportation for hundreds of miles.
What was the effect of the action at Glorieta Pass on the Confederacy's attempt to control the American Southwest?
What was the effect of the action at Glorieta Pass on the Confederacy's attempt to control the American Southwest? The Confederates retreated to Texas and never again threatened Union control of the Southwest.
Where did the Confederate troops fight in the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
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.
When did the Battle of Glorieta Pass take place?
The battle erupts - March 26, 1862. The Battle of Glorieta Pass took place during the winter months of the year. At an elevation above 7,000 feet, hilly, rocky, and covered with forest, both sides dealt with cold, snow, altitude, and enclosed terrain. The conflict began on March 26, 1862 when the Union forces encountered ...
How many Union soldiers were on the Glorieta Mesa?
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. After several hours of marching across the mesa, they discovered the Confederate supply train at Johnson’s Ranch.
What battle was the Black Powder cannon demonstration?
Battle of Glorieta Pass. Black powder cannon demonstration during the Civil War Encampment living history event, March 2019. 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.
How many soldiers were on the Santa Fe Trail?
A group of about 400 soldiers traveled east along the Santa Fe Trail in the direction of Glorieta Pass. Simultaneously, a Union force of 400 soldiers waited for them on the other side of the pass. These forces would start the Battle of Glorieta Pass.
Why was the Battle of Gettysburg called the Battle of the 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. The Confederates campaigned to take control of the West, which would have greatly improved their chances of success.
What happened on March 27, 1862?
Expecting more fighting to come, both sides sent for reinforcements. On March 27, 1862, each side waited for more reinforcements, which arrived that night. No fighting took place on this day.
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.
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. ”.
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.
Who led the Union forces at Glorieta Pass?
Recovering from the defeat at Valverde, Union forces led by Colonel John P. Slough and Major John Chivington, engaged the Confederates at Glorieta Pass in late March. Though the Confederates won a tactical victory at the pass, a column commanded by Chivington captured their supply train. The loss of their wagons and supplies compelled Sibley to withdraw from the region. The strategic victory at Glorieta Pass effectively secured control of the Southwest for the Union for the remainder of the war. As a result, the battle has sometimes, rather grandiosely, been referred to as the "Gettysburg of the West."
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 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.
What was the name of the battle that led to the capture of the New Mexico Territory?
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 and open a path to California. His initial actions proved successful and his troops won a victory at the Battle of Valverde in February. Pushing on, Sibley intended to capture the Union base at Fort Craig.
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.
Where did Canby's troops take refuge?
Retreating, Canby's force took refuge at Fort Craig. Electing not to attack the fortified Union troops, Sibley pressed on leaving them in his rear. Moving up the Rio Grande Valley, he established his headquarters at Albuquerque. Sending his forces forward, they occupied Santa Fe on March 10.
Who was the General who captured Fort Craig?
Advancing west, Sibley initially sought to capture Fort Craig near the Rio Grande. Brigadier General Henry H. Sibley, CSA. Library of Congress. On February 20-21, he defeated a Union force under Colonel Edward Canby at the Battle of Valverde.
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 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.
How many days did Sibley have to advance to Fort Union?
Still, through purchase or confiscation, the Texans managed to accumulate about 40 days ’ worth of supplies, which Sibley considered adequate to continue his advance to Fort Union. His vanguard, commanded by Maj. Charles L. Pyron of the 2nd Texas and augmented by an irregular unit known as the “Brigands” or “Company of Santa Fe Gamblers,” was already in the capital and on the Santa Fe Trail, the military highway to Fort Union. Sibley had already sent the bulk of his brigade, a field column commanded by Lt. Col. Scurry of the 4th Texas, to the east side of the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque in preparation for the advance. On March 12, soldiers of this column, approximately 1,000 men of the 4th and 7th Texas regiments, with accompanying artillery and wagon train, began moving toward the Santa Fe Trail, some twelve miles east of the capital. Sibley remained in Albuquerque with more than half of the 5th Texas and a company of the 4th Texas guarding the supplies.
How many men did Sibley have?
Sibley’s brigade was that reinforcement, though the general quickly supplanted Baylor as overall commander. With approximately 2,500 mounted men, 15 pieces of artillery, and an extensive supply train, Sibley anticipated an easy conquest of New Mexico.
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.
What was Sibley's role in the Texas army?
Nonetheless, during the late summer and early autumn of 1861, he raised a brigade of three mounted regiments, the 4th, 5th and 7th Texas Mounted Volunteers, along with supporting artillery and supply units.
What was the significance of the Battle of Glorieta Pass?
This battle--the Battle of Glorieta Pass--represented the high water mark for a bold Confederate offensive into Union Territory on the western frontier. Here volunteers from Colorado clashed with tough Texans intent on conquering New Mexico. Victory here would be a necessary prelude to detaching the western states from the Union and expanding the Confederacy to the Pacific Ocean. 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 of America.
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.
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.
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.
Who was the leader of the Confederate Army in 1861?
President Davis authorized General Sibley to raise volunteers for the Confederate Army of New Mexico. He assumed command on December 14, 1861, and marched the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Texas Mounted Riflemen westward from San Antonio to Fort Bliss, outside of El Paso.
Who was Henry Hopkins Sibley?
Sibley's nation was the Confederate States of America, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis shared Sibley's vision of southern Manifest Destiny.
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.
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.
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.
Overview
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.