What happened on February 29, 1864 during the U.S. Civil War?

2016-02-29T14:22:54-05:00

Even though February 29 only occurred once in the Civil War it was significant day. Congress added the rank of LTG and COL George A. Custer's cavalry fights skirmishes during a raid on Albemarle County, VA.
Cavalry raid to capture Jefferson Davis led by Cen Hugh J. Kilpatrick was launched with 4000 cavalrymen.
http://warfarehistorian.blogspot.com/2014/07/dahlgrens-raid-on-richmond-kilpatrick.html

Warfare History Blog: Dahlgren's Raid on Richmond: The Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid and the Plot...

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 29 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-02-29T14:38:29-05:00

The link says page doesn't exist. Can you update?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 29 at 2016 2:43 PM

2016-02-29T14:43:48-05:00

While all of the events are significant to some extent, I believe Dalhgren's cavalry raid to capture Jefferson Davis was the most significant. Historians have linked the motivation of John Wilkes Booth to assassinate Abraham, Lincoln to this raid.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Feb 29 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-02-29T15:11:30-05:00

Sorry LTC Stephen F. I got a page does not exist when I clicked on your link.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Feb 29 at 2016 4:03 PM

2016-02-29T16:03:44-05:00

Great post!

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 29 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-02-29T16:14:45-05:00

Custer's raid was to lure troops away from Richmond - I think it was the Battle of Rio Hill. while Kilpatrick-Dahlgren split up on Richmond. The other facts seem inline as well. I think Grant was promoted to Lt. Gen in '64 so that fits. However Yellow Tavern happened later in the summer of 64 so I'm not sure. As to which one shaped the course of the war more - I'd have to go with the Pressure on Richmond - the advent of trench warfare spawned from this battle.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Feb 29 at 2016 5:53 PM

2016-02-29T17:53:35-05:00

Thank you very much for the lesson brother! I look forward to it Everyday!

Response by MSgt Rosemary Connolly made Feb 29 at 2016 8:04 PM

2016-02-29T20:04:31-05:00

Custer was a Brigadier General at the time. Grant received the LTG rank 10 days later.