The Strategic Importance of General Grant's Southern Route After the Battle of the Wilderness

One of the most pivotal moments in the Civil War was when General Grant decided to head south from the Orange Plank Road-Brock Road Intersection following the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864, a decision that had profound implications for the war's outcome.

After the inconclusive Battle of the Wilderness on May 7, 1864, Union commanders were typically characterized by their cautious approach, often opting to regroup and resupply before pressing forward against the Confederate forces. This was starkly different from Grant's directive to his commanders: "Lee’s army will be your objective point. Wherever Lee goes there you will go also."

Grant's Unwavering Resolve

Grant's directive was unwavering and direct. Instead of retreating to a more secure position, like many of his predecessors did after encountering Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, Grant ordered Meade, Warren's Corps, and Sedwick's Corps to continue advancing. The battle at the Wilderness had ended without a clear victor, but Grant's determination was unshakeable. This strategy did not go unnoticed by his troops and by Abraham Lincoln himself. Lincoln had come to trust in Grant's unwavering commitment, stating, "He fights."

This bold decision by Grant had a significant psychological impact on his soldiers. It demonstrated to the Union forces that they were not to retreat but to press on, even in the face of daunting challenges. This resolve and aggressiveness highlighted a stark difference between Grant and his predecessors, who often found reasons to retreat to the relative safety of Washington D.C. and the Union's defensive line.

The Critical Decision at Spotsylvania

Grant's forces advanced towards Spotsylvania, and Lee realized the gravity of this shift. The Confederate commander had to counter this movement, leading to the critical Battle of Spotsylvania on May 8, 1864. The outcome of this battle and the ones that followed, such as North Anna and Cold Harbor, had a significant impact on the course of the war. These battles marked a defining moment for Grant's strategy, as he consistently pursued and engaged Lee, pushing the Confederate army into a position where they were forced into death battles that they could not win.

The Misconception of a Turning Point

Historical narratives often highlight the decision to head south as a turning point in the war, but this perspective is somewhat flawed. As historian Brandon Armienti suggested, if the movement on May 6, 1864, was indeed a turning point, one must question whether the Union was consistently losing up to that point. This view, therefore, implies a highly fluctuating and unpredictable nature of the war, with numerous turning points that make it difficult to pinpoint a specific moment as the definitive change.

More accurately, the Union's commitment to the war had been serious from the outset. The Union army had fought aggressively for three years, capturing numerous key points in the western theater and defeating rebel invasions of the north. These actions were all steps towards the ultimate victory. Grant’s actions after the Battle of the Wilderness were merely one more step in a relentless pursuit of victory, rather than a momentary shift in strategy.

Grant's Advantages and Favorable Conditions

Grant's position as commander was indeed advantageous. By the later stages of the war, he had the freedom to focus his army in fewer strategic areas, enabling him to press Lee more aggressively. Unlike Halleck, Grant did not have to worry about extensive logistics and supply lines, as he was well supplied by rail. Additionally, his troops were battle-hardened and trained, reducing the need for extensive drilling and discipline training as had been required by commanders like McClellan and Buell in earlier years.

Grant also noted the enthusiastic reaction of his soldiers to the southern route, as documented in his memoirs. The soldiers' cheers were a testament to their support and determination, driven by the fact that they were moving south. This decision was part of a broader strategy to keep open a path towards the east to support other military movements, such as those led by General Butler.

However, it is important to recognize that despite this aggressive approach, Lee did not fall behind in his strategic planning. Grant himself noted that Lee had beaten him to Spotsylvania, where another significant battle ensued. This highlights the ongoing struggle and the strategic agility of both commanders.

In conclusion, while the decision to head south from the Orange Plank Road-Brock Road Intersection was a significant indicator of Grant's determination and strategic acumen, it was merely one part of a larger narrative of relentless Union aggression and Confederate resilience. The decision stood in stark contrast to previous strategies but was built upon a foundation of consistent Union resolve and escalating Union military successes.