Near Charlottesville, Va., March 3, 1865

The Battle of Charlottesville was a significant engagement that took place near Charlottesville, Virginia, on March 3, 1865, during the American Civil War. The battle was fought between Union forces under the command of Major General Philip Sheridan and Confederate forces under the command of Major General Thomas L. Rosser.

The battle was part of Sheridan’s campaign to destroy the Confederate Army of the Valley and to capture Lynchburg, a major transportation hub that was critical to the Confederate war effort. Sheridan had already achieved several victories in the Shenandoah Valley, and his forces were now advancing toward Charlottesville.

Rosser, who was in command of Confederate cavalry forces, was ordered to delay the Union advance and to harass their flanks. On March 3, Rosser’s forces engaged a Union cavalry division commanded by Brigadier General George A. Custer near Charlottesville. The Confederates managed to push back the Union forces, but they were unable to hold their position for long.

Sheridan, who was personally leading the Union forces, quickly rallied his troops and launched a counterattack. The Union forces, bolstered by reinforcements, managed to overwhelm the Confederate cavalry and force them to retreat. The Confederates suffered heavy casualties, and Rosser was forced to abandon his position.

The battle was a significant victory for the Union forces, as it allowed them to continue their advance toward Lynchburg. The Confederate Army of the Valley was demoralized by the defeat, and their ability to resist Sheridan’s campaign was severely compromised.

The Battle of Charlottesville was also notable for being one of the last engagements of the Civil War. Just over a month after the battle, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the war.

In conclusion, the Battle of Charlottesville was a key engagement in the Union campaign to destroy the Confederate Army of the Valley and capture Lynchburg. The Union victory at Charlottesville helped to demoralize the Confederate forces and set the stage for the final Union victory at Appomattox Court House.