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Rivers of the US Civil War Trivia Quiz

Rivers were the scene of many important battles and location of major cities during the American Civil War. In 1860s America, rivers were often used much as super highways are used today for travel, communication and logistics.

A multiple-choice quiz by HRS51851. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
HRS51851

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
371,960

Updated
Jul 23 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
394

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The city that was the capital of the Confederacy for most of the Civil War lies on what river? Hint

York

James

Potomac

Appomattox

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. The city that was the capital of the Union (north) lies on what river? Hint

York

Potomac

Susquehanna

Delaware

3. One of the truly great generals of the Civil War was Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Jackson first became famous for his remarkable "Valley Campaign." This valley is named after what river? Hint

Rappahannock

Shenandoah

Rapidan

James

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. During the peninsula campaign in the spring of 1862, Confererate general John Magruder fooled Union general George McClellan into spending an entire month laying siege to Yorktown, Virginia. Yorktown lies on what river? Hint

York

Chickahominy

James

Appomattox

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. The battle of Fredricksburg was a crushing defeat for General Ambrose Burnside and the Union Army of the Potomac. What river flows next to Fredricksburg, Virginia? Hint

Rapidan

James

Mattaponi

Rappahannock

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. At the battle of Gaines' Mill in June of 1862, Robert E. Lee caught Union General Geo. McClellan with the two wings of his army on different sides of a river. Lee proceded to attack the smaller Union right wing successfully. What river separated the two Union army wings? Hint

James

Maumee

Appomattox

Chickahominy

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. The battle of Antietam was fought in September of 1862 between the Army of the Potomac (Union) and the Army of Northern Virginia (Confederacy). The battle is named after the creek that divided part of the armies. Antietam Creek meanders another three miles and empties into what major river? Hint

Ohio

Susquehanna

Potomac

Shenandoah

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. Prior to the battle of Chancellorsville, Union general, Joseph Hooker attempted to outflank Lee's Army of Northern Virginia by moving his (Hooker's) army across this river at Ely's and Germana fords. What river did Hooker cross at Ely's and Germana fords? Hint

Rappahannock

Potomac

Shenandoah

Rapidan

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. During Robert E. Lee's Gettysburg campaign, his 2nd Corps led by General Ewell threatened Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg lies on what river? Hint

Ohio

Allegheny

Monongahela

Susquehanna

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. The surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia took place at a small village that derives its name from a nearby river. The surrender took place at the home of Wilmer McLean. What is the name of the nearby river? Hint

James

York

Chickahominy

Appomattox

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The city that was the capital of the Confederacy for most of the Civil War lies on what river?

Answer: James

The James river flows past Richmond, Virginia. Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy for most of the war. Montgomery, Alabama was initially established as the Confederate capital in February of 1861. Due to the importance of Virginia to the new country's survival, Richmond was named the capital in May of 1861.

2. The city that was the capital of the Union (north) lies on what river?

Answer: Potomac

Washington D.C. was the capital of the United States during the Civil War and still is. Washington was situated between a Confederate state (Virginia) and a Union slave state (Maryland). The defense of Washington would cause problems for the Union throughout the war because of its geographical location.

3. One of the truly great generals of the Civil War was Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Jackson first became famous for his remarkable "Valley Campaign." This valley is named after what river?

Answer: Shenandoah

Jackson and his "foot cavalry" marched nearly 650 miles in 7 weeks and defeated three different Union armies that outnumbered him almost 3 to 1. His use of speed and interior lines of communication makes this campaign a classic in military history.

Answer: York

Magruder with some help from Joseph Johnston gained valuable time for the Confederacy, which enabled them to get their main army in place on the peninsula formed by the York and James rivers.

5. The battle of Fredricksburg was a crushing defeat for General Ambrose Burnside and the Union Army of the Potomac. What river flows next to Fredricksburg, Virginia?

Answer: Rappahannock

During this huge southern victory, General Robert E. Lee is supposed to have said, "It is good that war is so terrible or else we might grow too fond of it." The Union suffered nearly 13,000 casualties to less than 5,000 casualties for Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia.

Answer: Chickahominy

The fierce attack lasted for hours and was finally successful at a severe cost to Lee. After this bloody battle, General McClellan decided to forego a direct attack upon Richmond and retreat south to the James river and the cover fire of Union gunboats. This show of audacity by Robert E. Lee was a sign of what was to come for three more years.

Answer: Potomac

The battle was a tactical draw, but is considered a stategic victory for the Union because the Army of Northern Virginia had to withdraw and leave the field in the hands of the Army of the Potomac.

Answer: Rapidan

Hooker's plan did not work. A few days later it was Lee and Stonewall Jackson who successfully outflanked Hooker and the Army of the Potomac during the battle of Chancellorsville. Many consider this Robert E. Lee's greatest victory.

9. During Robert E. Lee's Gettysburg campaign, his 2nd Corps led by General Ewell threatened Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg lies on what river?

Answer: Susquehanna

Before Ewell could actually attack Harrisburg General Lee called him back to the Gettysburg area. Two of Ewell's three divisions (Rodes' and Early's divisions) would make it back in time to play critical roles in the generally successful July 1st fighting on the west and north edges of Gettysburg.

Answer: Appomattox

The surrender took place at the home of Wilmer McLean who had a home near the Manassas battlefield four years earlier. He had moved to Appomattox Court House to escape the war. (The surrender did *not* take place inside a courthouse!).

Source: Author HRS51851

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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