The Role of Union Cavalry during the Chickamauga Campaign
Abstract
This study is a historical analysis of the effectiveness of Union cavalry during the Chickamauga campaign. General William S. Rosecrans' desire to develop Union cavalry in the Army of the Cumberland into an effective counter to superior Confederate cavalry is compared to the results achieved during the Chickamauga campaign. The Chickamauga campaign was the first major test of the consolidated Cavalry Corps in the Army of the Cumberland. The contribution of the Cavalry failed to meet expectations in developing intelligence on General Braxton Bragg's Army of Tennessee and in influencing the outcome of the two day battle. First, this investigation addresses Rosecrans' operation plan for the Chickamauga campaign and what role he envisioned the cavalry would play. Secondly, it describes the state of Union Cavalry in August 1863 in terms of organization, strength, training and leadership. Analysis of operations by the cavalry focuses on how the cavalry were integrated into the campaign, the success of their missions, and strength and weaknesses in their employment. Finally, this study attempts to answer the question 'How could the Union cavalry have been better utilized during the campaign?' This study concludes that the improvements in the Union cavalry in terms of arms and equipment were not matched by development of senior cavalry leaders that had a clear vision of how to employ the instrument of their own making, a consolidated Cavalry Corps.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 06, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA241432
Entities
People
- John J. Londa
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College