Independence Day as it was the day [close enough] that marked the victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, which enabled Grant to come east, via Chattanooga.
cydSeptember 6, 2012 / 1:17 am
I’d vote for the discovery of Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetism in that year.
“From a long view of the history of mankind — seen from, say, ten thousand years from now, there can be little doubt that the most significant event of the 19th century will be judged as Maxwell’s discovery of the laws of electrodynamics. The American Civil War will pale into provincial insignificance in comparison with this important scientific event of the same decade.” — Richard Feynman
tonygunterSeptember 6, 2012 / 5:59 am
The battles of Port Gibson and Raymond. The Confederates lose their best chance to defeat Grant, and their last chance to defeat Grant. After the severe rout Gregg suffers at Raymond, Jackson is doomed to fall, and the lifeline to Vicksburg is severed. Because Gregg is surprised, he fails to inform Pemberton what is about to happen, eliminating any chance Pemberton may have to deal Grant a blow as he turns towards Jackson.
jfeppersonSeptember 6, 2012 / 11:22 am
You know, when I saw the headline, and the number of replies, I said to myself, “I bet one of them is Tony G. talking about Raymond” 😉
I figured if Kernstown got some love, I couldn’t help but give Raymond a little. Agree with cyd really … but since the topic of the blog is mostly ACW and related events, gotta go with Raymond.
If Gregg warns Pemberton that he’s facing an entire army corps, and Grant then turns his back on Pemberton … as much as we all love to hate Pemberton, we have to take his word that his intention is to strike Grant in flank / rear as he turns. Let’s say McClernand gets bloodied and Grant has to regroup after Jackson. That gives Johnston time to join Pemberton, and it’s a whole different ball game.
Just sayin’.
jfeppersonSeptember 6, 2012 / 11:28 am
As a scientist, I have to agree w/ Cyd, but since this blog is mostly about the Civil War, I think we should restrict our answers to that context.
Fundamentally, I agree w/ Jeff, that the double-whammy of Gettysburg and Vicksburg in early July is the most significant event. But, in part to be different, I am going to nominate two alternatives:
1. Missionary Ridge: Threw back the Confederate momentum gained at Chickamauga, and confirmed Grant’s standing as “the man.”
2. Jackson’s death: The Army of Northern Virginia was never the same.
Crossroads 
Independence Day as it was the day [close enough] that marked the victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, which enabled Grant to come east, via Chattanooga.
I’d vote for the discovery of Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetism in that year.
“From a long view of the history of mankind — seen from, say, ten thousand years from now, there can be little doubt that the most significant event of the 19th century will be judged as Maxwell’s discovery of the laws of electrodynamics. The American Civil War will pale into provincial insignificance in comparison with this important scientific event of the same decade.” — Richard Feynman
The battles of Port Gibson and Raymond. The Confederates lose their best chance to defeat Grant, and their last chance to defeat Grant. After the severe rout Gregg suffers at Raymond, Jackson is doomed to fall, and the lifeline to Vicksburg is severed. Because Gregg is surprised, he fails to inform Pemberton what is about to happen, eliminating any chance Pemberton may have to deal Grant a blow as he turns towards Jackson.
You know, when I saw the headline, and the number of replies, I said to myself, “I bet one of them is Tony G. talking about Raymond” 😉
A sucker’s bet.
I figured if Kernstown got some love, I couldn’t help but give Raymond a little. Agree with cyd really … but since the topic of the blog is mostly ACW and related events, gotta go with Raymond.
If Gregg warns Pemberton that he’s facing an entire army corps, and Grant then turns his back on Pemberton … as much as we all love to hate Pemberton, we have to take his word that his intention is to strike Grant in flank / rear as he turns. Let’s say McClernand gets bloodied and Grant has to regroup after Jackson. That gives Johnston time to join Pemberton, and it’s a whole different ball game.
Just sayin’.
As a scientist, I have to agree w/ Cyd, but since this blog is mostly about the Civil War, I think we should restrict our answers to that context.
Fundamentally, I agree w/ Jeff, that the double-whammy of Gettysburg and Vicksburg in early July is the most significant event. But, in part to be different, I am going to nominate two alternatives:
1. Missionary Ridge: Threw back the Confederate momentum gained at Chickamauga, and confirmed Grant’s standing as “the man.”
2. Jackson’s death: The Army of Northern Virginia was never the same.