Ambush of the U.S. 6th Cavalry Division
Google earth now gives historians a chance to see the exact position of the sun from anywhere on the earth on any given day of the year. This helps explain the tactical advantage of using a sunset to blind an advancing enemy from a well planned defensive position. The Confederate Cavalry under Forrest’s Division were masters of deception. This helps explain why Gen. Rucker’s detached force were able to stop an attack about ten-times their own size.
This successful defensive counter, keep the U.S. Army from out-flanking the Army of Tennessee under Lt. General John Bell Hood, allowing them to escape the following day on the decisive Battle of Nashville.
Google Earth imagery on the 15th of December around 5 pm:
What happened here?
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