BATTLE OF THE CRATER

Burnside was enthusiastic about the plan and after getting a go-ahead from Meade and Grant, authorized the scheme. On July 30, 1864, the plan was carried out. The explosion was massive, creating a crater 30 feet deep under the Confederate line.

Immediately charging the remaining Confederates in the confusion, smoke, and dark, Burnsides men marched on the double quick into the crater.

Once there, they were trapped. The could not get out. It then became a "turkey shoot" for the Confederates. The plan failed.

It would take until the following April for Lee's defenses at Petersburg to collapse.

RETURN to the decisions.