Monday, July 20, 2026

 Click👉Today in History (general history) July 20. 

On This Day in Confederate History, July 20.

This is a contemporary sketch of two
Louisiana Tiger Rifle soldiers from life, colorized by
Copilot AI. The Tiger Rifles were Co. B
of the 1st Battalion (Wheat's) Louisiana Volunteers.
Captain Alexander White, a filibuster and steamboat 
officer before the war, was the commander. The
colorful Zouaves gained fame for their bowie knife
charge at the 1st Battle of Manassas, July 21, 1861.

1861: First Manassas Campaign: Both Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell and Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard were planning to launch attacks on July 21, from opposite ends of the battlefield. Beauregard was receiving reinforcements from Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, who was transferring troops via the railroad connections for the battle, which was a first in U.S. Military History. McDowell had 35,732 men available, and Beauregard between 32,000 and 34,000. Johnston technically outranked Beauregard but Johnston allowed Beauregard to manage the battle since he was more knowledgeable about the terrain and placement of troops

A history of Company B, 1st Special Battalion (Wheat's) Louisiana Volunteers in the War Between the States. The Tiger Rifles, Company B, of Wheat's Battalion became famous because of their flashy Zouave uniforms, their famous battalion commander, Major Roberdeau Wheat, and their heroics at the First Battle of Manassas. Their nickname, Tigers, became attached, first to the battalion, and then to all Louisiana troops serving in the Army of Northern Virginia. The book tries to separate fact from myth with regard to the Tigers. The men became so notorious for their antics in camp that they got blamed for a lot of things they didn't do, although they did plenty on their own to deserve their reputation. Also examined is the possible real identity of their company commander, Captain Alexander White. His name is an alias, but as far as is known, his real identity has been a mystery. The book focuses tightly on the men of the Tiger Rifles and brings them to life as much as the limited resources allow.
1863: Skirmishing breaks out in the various gaps in Northern Virginia as Maj. Gen. George Meade's Army of the Potomac tries to catch up with Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia following the Battle of Gettysburg. There are skirmishes at Ashby's Gap and Berry's Ferry, Va.
1864: Atlanta Campaign: Urged by President Davis, Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood launches the Army of Tennessee into a series of costly attacks around Atlanta, Ga. on Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman's three Federal armies, the first being the Battle of Peachtree Creek. Hood has 20,250 Confederates in the battle and Sherman 21,655. Hood hopes to catch Sherman's arriving army before it can fortify its positions. All of the Southern assaults are repulsed with heavy casualties. Estimated casualties of 1,900 for the Federals and 2,500 for the Confederates. 

Confederate General Birthdays, July 20.

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