Valverde
New Mexico
February 20-21, 1862
Brig. Gen. Henry H. Sibley led his force of 2,500 men across the
Rio Grande River and up the east side of the river to the ford at
Valverde, north of Fort Craig, New Mexico, hoping to cut Federal
communications between the fort and military headquarters in Santa
Fe. Union Col. E.R.S. Canby left Fort Craig with more than 3,000
men to prevent the Confederates from crossing the river. When he
was opposite them, across the river, Canby opened fire and sent
Union cavalry over, forcing the Rebels back. The Confederates halted
their retirement at the Old Rio Grande riverbed, which served as
an excellent position. After crossing all his men, Canby decided
that a frontal assault would fail and deployed his force to assault
and turn the Confederate left flank. Before he could do so, though,
the Rebels attacked. Federals rebuffed a cavalry charge, but the
main Confederate force made a frontal attack, capturing six artillery
pieces and forcing the Union battle line to break and many of the
men to flee. Canby ordered a retreat. Confederate reinforcements
arrived and Sibley was about to order another attack when Canby
asked for a truce, by a white flag, to remove the bodies of the
dead and wounded. Left in possession of the battlefield, the Confederates
claimed victory but had suffered heavy casualties. Although the
Confederates would soon occupy Santa Fe, they would have to leave
New Mexico within four months.
Result(s):
Confederate victory
Location:
Socorro County
Campaign:
Sibley's New Mexico Campaign (1862)
Date(s):
February 20-21, 1862
Principal
Commanders: Col. E.R.S. Canby [US]; Brig. Gen. Henry H. Sibley
and Col. Thomas Green [CS]
Forces
Engaged: Department of New Mexico (combination of regular
and volunteer units) [US]; Army of New Mexico [CS]
Estimated
Casualties: 389 total (US 202; CS 187)
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