Overview of Guerrilla Warfare in the Civil War

The Guerrilla war was basically a war within a war. The goal was to tie down armies in one place and prevent them from advancing. Guerrillas also broke up supply lines for both the Union and Confederate armies. The guerrilla war had many key players including Champ Ferguson and William Quantrill. They had differences though. This leads us to the three types of guerrilla warfare.

Cavalrymen were men who conducted raids on supply lines, and also roamed the country breaking up railroads making it difficult for the opposing army to travel. These bands were fully recognized by the army in which they served. The most famous cavalrymen were John Hunt Morgan and Nathan Bedford Forrest. (Below is Morgan)

Partisan Rangers were groups of men who like cavalrymen raided and broke up supply lines and railroads. Unlike cavalrymen partisan rangers engaged in even more violent acts such as murder. Partisan rangers were sometimes recognized by the army they served. The most famous partisan ranger was William Clark Quantrill. Others included John Singleton Mosbey and Bloody Bill Anderson. (Below is Quantrill)

Guerrillas were basic citizens that commanded their own private bands of men. They had no recognition by the armies they sided with. Most of these men raided supply lines and broke up railroads much like cavalrymen and partisan rangers did. They also committed murders. These men answered to no one. Many of these men were considered outlaws. The most famous of these men was Champ Ferguson. Ferguson's arch enemy Tinker Dave Beaty could also be included in this category. (Below is Beaty)

It is also worth noting that many Native American tribes engaged in the guerrilla war. The Cherokee and Sioux Indians are good examples. The famous Native American Geronimo was known to have engaged in guerrilla warfare. (Below is Geronimo)

The guerrilla war has also become popular in Hollywood. The 1976 film Outlaw Josey Wales starring Clint Eastwood follows the life of a man whose family was murdered and farm burned to the ground. The film is rumored to have been based on the life of Champ Ferguson. Overall the movie does a good job depicting guerrilla warfare. The 1951 film Silver Canyon starring Gene Autry is another movie that deals with guerrilla warfare. Gene along with his sidekick Pat (Pat Buttram) go up against and defeat the fictional guerrilla leader Wade McQuarrie (Jim Davis). This movie also does a good job of depicting guerrilla warfare. Both are highly recommended.

The best book on the guerrilla war is Daniel Sutherland's 2009 work titled A Savage Conflict: The Decisive Role of Guerrillas in the American Civil War.

Make sure to check back soon for more detailed blog posts about men like William Quantrill, John Hunt Morgan and others.