The Cavalry at Appomattox

The final campaign of the American Civil War in the eastern theatre witnessed the zenith of American cavalry warfare, the salient aspect of the operation. The Appomattox Campaign not only determined whether the conflict would continue, but also which army had better assimilated the intricate, difficult lessons of mounted service. The outcome indicated why the Union troopers emerged victorious. They displayed greater tactical versatility - the ability to fight mounted and afoot - whereas the Confederate horsemen considered the outdated 'saber charge' the essence of mounted battle.

Edward G. Longacre is the author of numerous articles and books on the Civil War, including A Regiment of Slaves: The 4th United States Colored Infantry, 1863-1866; Lee's Cavalrymen: A History of the Mounted Forces of the Army of Northern Virginia.