The Farthest North Advance of Confederate Forces During the American Civil War

The American Civil War, fought between the Union and the Confederate States, saw various military operations extend to varying geographical extents. This article explores the northernmost territories reached by significant Confederate military forces during this conflict, with a focus on the CSS Shenandoah and other notable engagements.

Confederate Advances and Notable Locations

During the Civil War, Confederate forces under the command of General Robert E. Lee operated primarily in the southern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Notably, the Confederate Army under General Jeb Stuart advanced as far north as Carlisle, Pennsylvania (40 degrees 11 minutes north of the equator) during the Gettysburg campaign as a result of his cavalry's raid.

Another operation, led by General John Hunt Morgan, ventured as far north as Salineville, Ohio (40 degrees 37 minutes north of the equator) during Morgan’s Raid. However, these were relatively smaller units compared to the main Confederate Army operations.

Organized Military Units of Significant Size

The most significant northern advance by a large Confederate military unit was at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Leadership under General Richard Ewell operated near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and Harrisburg, where he attempted to reach Daniel Hill's division on North Mountain. Despite the efforts of the Confederate forces, they were ultimately diverted to Gettysburg.

The CSS Shenandoah: An Unusual Case

While most Confederate operations were confined to the American mainland, there was one notable instance of Confederate military activity in the far north. The CSS Shenandoah, under the command of Captain James Waddell, operated in the Bering Sea between Alaska and eastern Siberia, north of the Aleutian Islands, in the spring and summer of 1865.

Interestingly, the Shenandoah sank eleven United States whalers between Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Despite reports from a British ship in late August 1865 that the war had ended, Captain Waddell continued his attacks until he confirmed the war's conclusion on his way to San Francisco.

Regular Military Raids by Irregular Units

While there were occasional incursions by irregular raiders as far north as Maine, these were not organized military units of significant size. The furthest north reached by a genuine Confederate Army would likely be Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Recent Incursions into U.S. Territory

Notable for recent historical events, the January 6th insurrection in 2021 involved individuals who attempted to seize the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. This event, while illegal and historian-contested, can be seen as an example of significant incursion into U.S. territory.

Conclusion

In the context of the American Civil War, the northernmost significant advance of Confederate forces is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (40 degrees 25 minutes north of the equator). The CSS Shenandoah's operation in the Bering Sea was an exception and involved a naval operation under special circumstances, which took place after the war's conclusion on American soil.