The Battle of Valverde: Lessons on How to Take a Defensive Position

• Other Authors: Bergstrom, Shawn Erik, 1977- (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-9141

On February 21, 1862 Colonel Thomas Green launched an assault on a fixed Union defensive position in the New Mexican Territory during the American Civil War. The charge met with success where several others failed during the war. Across a field over six hundred yards long and with artillery support the Confederates were able to seize the defenses. These defenses had an attachment of six cannons under the command of Union Captain Alexander McRae and anchored the Federals left flank. The capture of these guns and subsequent break through on the northern portion of the field led to the Confederate victory at the Battle of Valverde. What has been overlooked are the reasons that led to the success of this frontal assault where so many others failed during the Civil War. Due to the remoteness of the battle in the desolate American west, the charge and the elements that were implemented both purposely and accidentally on the field that day have been glossed over by history. By examining events that led up to the battle, the movement of forces on the day of the battle, and a thorough examination of all angles of the assault, a conclusion will be arrived at of principles that, when implemented, will increase a commander's success on assaulting fixed defensive positions. The examination will conclude by briefly looking at these elements in future wars to see how they were implemented on other battlefields. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of History in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts. === Fall Semester, 2014. === September 19, 2014. === Civil War === Includes bibliographical references. === G. Kurt Piehler, Professor Directing Thesis; James Jones, Committee Member; Neil Jumonville, Committee Member.