National Park Civil War Series

The Battles of Wilderness & Spotsylvania

Plot

The Wilderness and Spotsylvania operations stand among the most fascinating episodes in American military history. In these initial encounters, Lee and Grant each exhibited strengths and each fumbled. The problems of command that plagued Grant in the Wilderness and Spotsylvania continued throughout the campaign. His strong point remained his tenacity. Lee achieved stunning results against a vastly superior force. His performance here places him in the foremost rank of American commanders.