Naming Conventions and Other Battlefield Notations

The following format is used for the battles - Name - Date - Classification

The Union troops came mainly from cities, towns, and villages, and were, therefore, impressed by some natural object near the scene of the conflict and named the battle from it. The Confederate forces were chiefly from the country and were, therefore, impressed by some artificial object near the field of action.

This concept resulted in two names for many of the battles.  For example, Manassas (railroad station/junction - Confederate) and Bull Run (stream - Union).

Please see Civil War Battle Names for a list of Union and Confederate battle names.

We have employed a designation used by James Marshall-Cornwall in his book Grant as Military Commander for Union and Confederate officers.

Union officers are in bold blue and Confederate officers are in italics, bold grey.

A - having a decisive influence on a campaign and a direct impact on the course of the war

B - having a direct and decisive influence on their campaign

C - having observable influence on the outcome of a campaign

D - having a limited influence on the outcome of their campaign or operation but achieving or affecting important local objectives

Definitions of Civil War Terms

Civil War Terms

American Civil War Glossary

Glossary of Terms - Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War