Daily Archives: April 2, 2025

Confederate government evacuates Richmond, Virginia 160 years ago this hour (Apr 2 1865)


Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.8of9.War.Is.All.Hell' (Apr. 2, 1865, at 38:43)

(Sunday, April 2, 1865, approximately 11:00 p.m. local time; immediately following the Third Battle of Petersburg, part of the Appomattox Campaign of the American Civil War) — While attending church in Richmond, Virginia, Confederate President Jefferson Davis received a message from General Robert E. Lee telling him that he will have to evacuate the Confederate capital immediately because the Confederate troops are being forced to abandon the defense of Petersburg because of advancing Union forces. Continue reading Confederate government evacuates Richmond, Virginia 160 years ago this hour (Apr 2 1865)

Thieu meets with American officials, pleads for help 50 years ago today (Apr 2 1975)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 2, 1975, at 34:10)

(Wednesday, April 2, 1975; during the The Hue–Da Nang Campaign of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, still believing that America would not abandon him, met today with U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin and President Gerald Ford’s special envoy, General Frederick Weyand, who promised to recommend more aid.

Siege of Petersburg is broken, Confederate General Hill killed 160 years ago this hour (Apr 2 1865)


Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.8of9.War.Is.All.Hell' (Apr. 2, 1865, at 36:54)

(Sunday, April 2, 1865, approximately 7:00 a.m. local time; during the Third Battle of Petersburg, part of the Appomattox Campaign of the American Civil War) — The Union Army launched an assault on Confederate trenches and fortifications in Petersburg, Virginia, today, exposing or cutting the Confederate right flank, rear and remaining supply lines. Continue reading Siege of Petersburg is broken, Confederate General Hill killed 160 years ago this hour (Apr 2 1865)