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Steps of the Capitol with covered guns in Nashville, Tennessee
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Battle of Nashville: Union Troops Broke Through the Confederate Line
December 16, 1864
The Union built fortifications, gathered up troops, and planned Hood's demise. But for almost two weeks, both sides waited. Ice from freezing rain delayed the inevitable clash. As soon as the weather cleared, fighting began. Within less than 48 hours, Hood's troops were in retreat. Union troops trailed the Confederates for almost 10 days. By the time the Southerners had re-crossed the Tennessee River, the Army of Tennessee had disintegrated, as men were dying from cold or famine or taking off for shelter in different directions. This disarray ensured that the weakened Southern forces could not invade the North. A few weeks later, Hood resigned his command.
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