Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Earl Van Dorn was born in Mississippi and died in Tennessee.
Answer: True
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn was born in Mississippi and met his end in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
Earl Van Dorn was a distant cousin of U.S. President Andrew Jackson.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Earl Van Dorn was related to President Andrew Jackson, he was his great-nephew, not a distant cousin.
Earl Van Dorn graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1842.
Answer: True
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and successfully graduated in the year 1842.
Earl Van Dorn graduated near the top of his class at West Point, ranking 10th out of 68 cadets.
Answer: False
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn's academic performance at West Point was not near the top; he graduated 52nd out of 68 cadets, a rank influenced by numerous demerits.
Upon graduating from West Point, Van Dorn was appointed to the 1st U.S. Cavalry Regiment.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following his graduation from West Point, Van Dorn was appointed to the 7th U.S. Infantry Regiment, not the 1st U.S. Cavalry.
Before the Civil War, Van Dorn served on frontier duty and fought in the Mexican-American War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Before the Civil War, Van Dorn fought with distinction in the Mexican-American War and served on frontier duty in the Western United States, engaging in campaigns against Native American tribes.
Van Dorn led successful campaigns against the Comanche tribe in Texas and Indian Territory.
Answer: True
Explanation: During his pre-war service, Van Dorn led successful military campaigns against the Comanche tribe in both Texas and the Indian Territory.
Van Dorn's campaign against Buffalo Hump's Comanche band resulted in the capture of over 50 women.
Answer: False
Explanation: Van Dorn's campaign against Buffalo Hump's Comanche band resulted in the capture of 32 women, not over 50.
In which U.S. state was Earl Van Dorn born?
Answer: Mississippi
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn was born in Claiborne County, Mississippi.
What familial connection did Earl Van Dorn have to a U.S. President?
Answer: He was a great-nephew of Andrew Jackson.
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn was a great-nephew of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, a connection that aided his entry into West Point.
Earl Van Dorn attended which military academy and graduated in what year?
Answer: United States Military Academy at West Point, 1842
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1842.
What was Earl Van Dorn's academic performance at West Point, indicated by his class rank?
Answer: He graduated 52nd out of 68 cadets.
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn graduated 52nd out of 68 cadets from West Point, a rank influenced by accumulating numerous demerits.
Which U.S. Army regiment did Van Dorn join after graduating from West Point?
Answer: 7th U.S. Infantry Regiment
Explanation: Upon graduating from West Point, Van Dorn was appointed a brevet second lieutenant in the 7th U.S. Infantry Regiment.
What significant pre-Civil War military experiences did Van Dorn have?
Answer: Fighting in the Mexican-American War and frontier duty against Native American tribes.
Explanation: Before the Civil War, Van Dorn gained valuable experience fighting in the Mexican-American War and serving on frontier duty against Native American tribes.
What was the nature of Van Dorn's service against Native American tribes?
Answer: He led successful campaigns against tribes like the Comanche.
Explanation: Van Dorn's service against Native American tribes included leading successful campaigns against the Comanche in Texas and the Indian Territory.
Earl Van Dorn was a staunch supporter of secession from the beginning of the conflict.
Answer: False
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn initially opposed secession and sought to prevent war, only aligning with the Confederacy after hostilities commenced.
President Lincoln declared Van Dorn a pirate for capturing the Union transport ship 'Star of the West'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Van Dorn captured the Union transport ship 'Star of the West' at Matagorda Bay, Texas, on April 17, 1861. This event marked the first surrender of the Civil War, and President Lincoln declared Van Dorn a pirate for seizing vessels under Confederate authority.
Van Dorn joined the Confederate Army as a Major General and commanded the Army of Northern Virginia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon joining the Confederate Army, Van Dorn was promoted to Major General but commanded forces in the Western Theater and Trans-Mississippi, such as the Army of the West and the Army of Mississippi, not the Army of Northern Virginia.
Van Dorn's capture of the 'Star of the West' resulted in significant bloodshed.
Answer: False
Explanation: The capture of the Union transport ship 'Star of the West' by Van Dorn's forces was accomplished without bloodshed.
Van Dorn's objective upon taking command of the Army of the West was to capture St. Louis.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon assuming command of the Army of the West, Van Dorn's strategic objective was to advance into Missouri and capture the key city of St. Louis.
What was Earl Van Dorn's initial stance on secession in 1861?
Answer: He initially opposed secession and hoped to prevent war.
Explanation: Initially, Earl Van Dorn opposed secession and sought to prevent war, only aligning with the Confederacy after hostilities commenced.
Which event led President Lincoln to label Van Dorn a 'pirate' early in the Civil War?
Answer: The capture of the Union ship 'Star of the West' at Matagorda Bay.
Explanation: President Lincoln labeled Van Dorn a 'pirate' following his capture of the Union transport ship 'Star of the West' at Matagorda Bay in April 1861.
What commands did Van Dorn hold after joining the Confederate States Army?
Answer: Commander of the Trans-Mississippi District, Army of the West, and Army of Mississippi.
Explanation: After joining the Confederate Army, Van Dorn held significant commands including the Trans-Mississippi District, the Army of the West, and the Army of Mississippi.
At the Battle of Pea Ridge, Van Dorn commanded Confederate forces to victory against a larger Union army.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Pea Ridge resulted in a Confederate defeat under Van Dorn's command, despite facing a smaller Union force.
Van Dorn's decision to abandon supply wagons at Pea Ridge contributed to his defeat.
Answer: True
Explanation: Van Dorn's decision to abandon supply wagons for speed at Pea Ridge left his men ill-equipped, and this, along with coordination issues, contributed to the Confederate loss.
During the Second Battle of Corinth, Van Dorn commanded cavalry units effectively.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to this assertion, Van Dorn commanded infantry units at the Second Battle of Corinth, a role considered outside his primary expertise, contributing to the Confederate defeat.
Following the defeat at Corinth, Van Dorn was removed from infantry command but retained district command.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the defeat at Corinth, Van Dorn was removed from both infantry command and subsequently relieved of his district command, significantly curtailing his future high-level assignments.
Confederate President Jefferson Davis praised Van Dorn's command at the Second Battle of Corinth, calling it 'masterfully' handled.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jefferson Davis acknowledged the difficult conditions Van Dorn faced at Corinth but stated that he handled the command 'masterfully'.
Captain H.E. Starke defended Van Dorn, attributing the defeat at Corinth to General Bragg's strategic errors.
Answer: True
Explanation: Captain H.E. Starke defended Van Dorn's performance at Corinth, attributing the defeat to General Bragg's strategic decisions rather than Van Dorn's leadership.
Van Dorn's official reports claimed significantly higher Union losses than Confederate losses at Pea Ridge.
Answer: True
Explanation: Van Dorn's official reports from the Battle of Pea Ridge presented casualty figures that claimed substantially higher Union losses compared to Confederate losses.
The Confederate defeat at Pea Ridge led to the Union regaining control of Arkansas.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Confederate defeat at Pea Ridge contributed to the Union regaining control of Missouri and left Arkansas vulnerable, but it did not immediately result in the Union regaining control of Arkansas itself.
During the Battle of Pea Ridge, Confederate generals McCulloch and McIntosh were killed.
Answer: True
Explanation: Both Confederate generals Benjamin McCulloch and James M. McIntosh were killed in action during the course of the Battle of Pea Ridge.
In his report, Van Dorn blamed the failure at Pea Ridge solely on the death of his officers.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his report on the Battle of Pea Ridge, Van Dorn cited multiple factors for the failure, including unforeseen accidents, army discipline issues, and the death of officers, rather than blaming solely the loss of his officers.
Van Dorn's Army of the West was integrated into General Beauregard's Army of Mississippi during the Siege of Corinth.
Answer: True
Explanation: Van Dorn's Army of the West was indeed integrated into General Beauregard's Army of Mississippi during the Siege of Corinth in April 1862.
A lack of reconnaissance of Union defenses was a key failure for Van Dorn at the Second Battle of Corinth.
Answer: True
Explanation: A critical failure contributing to Van Dorn's defeat at the Second Battle of Corinth was his insufficient reconnaissance of the Union defensive positions.
The Confederate Army suffered over 5,000 casualties at the Second Battle of Corinth.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Confederate Army sustained 4,233 casualties at the Second Battle of Corinth, which is fewer than 5,000.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Pea Ridge for Van Dorn's Confederate forces?
Answer: A defeat attributed partly to poor equipment and coordination.
Explanation: The Battle of Pea Ridge resulted in a Confederate defeat, influenced by factors such as poor equipment, coordination issues, and inadequate preparation.
Which of the following was a significant challenge Van Dorn faced during the Second Battle of Corinth?
Answer: He was commanding infantry, which was not his specialty.
Explanation: A significant challenge for Van Dorn at the Second Battle of Corinth was commanding infantry units, a role considered outside his primary military expertise.
How did Van Dorn's performance at the Second Battle of Corinth affect his subsequent military assignments?
Answer: He was removed from infantry command and later relieved of district command.
Explanation: Following the defeat at Corinth, Van Dorn was removed from infantry command and subsequently relieved of district command, limiting his future high-level assignments.
What specific failure is identified as contributing to Van Dorn's defeat at the Second Battle of Corinth?
Answer: Lack of reconnaissance of the Union defenses.
Explanation: A critical failure contributing to Van Dorn's defeat at the Second Battle of Corinth was his lack of reconnaissance of the Union defenses.
What was the total number of Confederate casualties reported for the Second Battle of Corinth?
Answer: 4,233
Explanation: The Confederate Army reported a total of 4,233 casualties at the Second Battle of Corinth.
The Holly Springs Raid led by Van Dorn successfully disrupted Ulysses S. Grant's Vicksburg Campaign.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Holly Springs Raid, conducted in December 1862, successfully disrupted Union General Ulysses S. Grant's supply lines, significantly hindering his Vicksburg Campaign.
Van Dorn's raid on Holly Springs directly led to the implementation of Grant's General Order No. 11.
Answer: False
Explanation: Van Dorn's raid on Holly Springs disrupted Union communication lines, which indirectly delayed the implementation of Grant's General Order No. 11, rather than directly causing its implementation.
The Battle of Thompson's Station was a significant Confederate victory where Van Dorn effectively utilized cavalry tactics.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Battle of Thompson's Station in March 1863 was a Confederate victory where Van Dorn effectively employed cavalry tactics, helping to restore his reputation.
Earl Van Dorn's final military engagement was the First Battle of Franklin.
Answer: True
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn's final military engagement occurred at the First Battle of Franklin on April 10, 1863, where he skirmished with Union cavalry.
Van Dorn instructed General Magruder to use 'Quaker guns' (logs) to deceive Union forces at Galveston.
Answer: True
Explanation: Van Dorn advised General Magruder to employ deceptive tactics, including the use of 'Quaker guns,' to inflate the appearance of Confederate strength and facilitate the recapture of Galveston.
In January 1863, Van Dorn was ordered to join the Army of Tennessee in Middle Tennessee.
Answer: True
Explanation: In January 1863, Van Dorn received orders to transfer and join the Army of Tennessee in Middle Tennessee.
At the Battle of Thompson's Station, Van Dorn divided his cavalry to pursue the enemy.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the Battle of Thompson's Station, Van Dorn demonstrated tactical wisdom by avoiding the division of his cavalry and allowing the enemy to advance, a departure from previous strategies.
The First Battle of Franklin resulted in a major victory for Van Dorn's forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: The First Battle of Franklin was a minor engagement where Van Dorn's forces skirmished with Union cavalry, resulting in a loss of 137 men, not a major victory.
What was the primary objective of the Holly Springs Raid led by Van Dorn in December 1862?
Answer: To disrupt Ulysses S. Grant's supply lines.
Explanation: The primary objective of the Holly Springs Raid was to disrupt the supply lines of Union General Ulysses S. Grant during his Vicksburg Campaign.
How did Van Dorn's raid on Holly Springs indirectly affect Grant's controversial General Order No. 11?
Answer: It destroyed Union communication lines, delaying the order's implementation.
Explanation: By destroying Union communication lines, Van Dorn's raid on Holly Springs indirectly delayed the implementation of Grant's General Order No. 11.
Which battle is cited as a victory for Van Dorn where he effectively used cavalry tactics, helping to restore his reputation?
Answer: Battle of Thompson's Station
Explanation: The Battle of Thompson's Station is cited as a significant cavalry victory for Van Dorn, which helped restore his reputation after earlier setbacks.
Where did Earl Van Dorn's final military engagement, the First Battle of Franklin, take place?
Answer: Franklin, Tennessee
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn's final military engagement, the First Battle of Franklin, occurred in Franklin, Tennessee.
How did Van Dorn's strategy contribute to the Confederate recapture of Galveston, Texas?
Answer: By using deceptive tactics like 'Quaker guns' to inflate Confederate strength.
Explanation: Van Dorn's strategy involved instructing General Magruder to use deceptive tactics, such as 'Quaker guns,' to overstate Confederate strength, contributing to the recapture of Galveston.
What tactical approach did Van Dorn employ at the Battle of Thompson's Station that was a departure from his earlier battles?
Answer: He avoided dividing his cavalry and let the enemy come to him.
Explanation: At the Battle of Thompson's Station, Van Dorn wisely avoided dividing his cavalry and allowed the enemy to advance, demonstrating a learned lesson from previous experiences.
What was the outcome of the First Battle of Franklin for Van Dorn's forces?
Answer: A minor engagement resulting in 137 Confederate casualties.
Explanation: The First Battle of Franklin was a minor engagement where Van Dorn's forces skirmished with Union cavalry, resulting in 137 Confederate casualties.
Earl Van Dorn's primary military renown stemmed from his effective leadership in large-scale infantry operations during the American Civil War.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historical assessments indicate that Earl Van Dorn was primarily recognized for his prowess as a cavalry commander, rather than for leadership in large infantry operations, where he was often considered less effective.
Earl Van Dorn was assassinated by a political rival.
Answer: False
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn was assassinated by Dr. George B. Peters, motivated by personal reasons related to an alleged affair, not by a political rival.
Dr. George B. Peters was brought to trial and convicted for the murder of Earl Van Dorn.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dr. George B. Peters was arrested for the murder of Earl Van Dorn but was never brought to trial, let alone convicted.
Van Dorn was known for his reserved demeanor and avoidance of social entanglements.
Answer: False
Explanation: Van Dorn was characterized by his impulsiveness, emotional nature, and a notable inclination towards social entanglements, particularly with women, rather than a reserved demeanor.
Historians generally consider Van Dorn to be an effective commander of large infantry forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historians generally assess Van Dorn as a masterful cavalry commander but less effective when leading large infantry formations or combined forces.
Besides military pursuits, Van Dorn was known for his artistic talents and poetry.
Answer: True
Explanation: Beyond his military career, Van Dorn possessed artistic talents as a painter and was known for writing poetry, alongside his noted horsemanship and interest in women.
A Confederate Navy steamer was named in honor of Earl Van Dorn.
Answer: True
Explanation: Honors for Earl Van Dorn include the CSS General Earl Van Dorn, a Confederate Navy steamer, reflecting his recognition within the Confederacy.
Conspiracy theories suggest Dr. Peters' motive for killing Van Dorn was purely due to the alleged affair.
Answer: False
Explanation: Conspiracy theories propose that Dr. Peters' motive may have extended beyond the alleged affair, possibly involving political factors, rather than being solely attributed to the personal relationship.
Van Dorn's death occurred during a critical juncture of the Vicksburg campaign and was considered a loss for the Confederacy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Van Dorn's death was considered a significant loss for the Confederacy, occurring during a critical phase of the Vicksburg campaign and impacting its cavalry leadership.
Nathan Bedford Forrest challenged Van Dorn to a duel after criticizing his judgment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nathan Bedford Forrest criticized Van Dorn's judgment, which led to an angered Van Dorn challenging Forrest to a duel, though the situation was ultimately de-escalated.
The Martin Cheairs Mansion was the site of Earl Van Dorn's assassination.
Answer: True
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn was assassinated at the Martin Cheairs Mansion in Spring Hill, Tennessee, which served as his headquarters.
Van Dorn was shot in the chest by Dr. George B. Peters.
Answer: False
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn was fatally shot in the back of the head by Dr. George B. Peters, not in the chest.
Historians note Earl Van Dorn as one of three major generals in the Civil War who died violently due to personal issues.
Answer: True
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn is recognized as one of three major Civil War generals whose violent deaths stemmed from personal matters, alongside Generals William 'Bull' Nelson and John A. Wharton.
Earl Van Dorn was initially buried in Mississippi but later reinterred in Alabama.
Answer: False
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn was initially buried in Alabama, in his wife's family graveyard, and was later reinterred in Mississippi.
Van Dorn's legacy is primarily defined by his brilliant command of large infantry formations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn's legacy is primarily defined by his exceptional command of cavalry units, not by his command of large infantry formations, where he encountered difficulties.
Historians agree that Earl Van Dorn's true military expertise lay in commanding mounted troops.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historians widely agree that Earl Van Dorn was a brilliant cavalry officer, excelling in command of mounted troops, which was considered his true element.
A film titled 'The Legend of Van Dorn' was released in 2025, dramatizing his life.
Answer: True
Explanation: A historical romance film titled "The Legend of Van Dorn," released in 2025, dramatizes the final chapter of General Van Dorn's life, covering his military accomplishments, personal relationships, and assassination.
What was Earl Van Dorn's full name and his primary military role during the Civil War?
Answer: Earl Van Dorn; Major General known for cavalry operations
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn served as a Major General, particularly recognized for his leadership in cavalry operations during the American Civil War.
What was the alleged reason for Dr. George B. Peters shooting Earl Van Dorn?
Answer: An alleged affair between Van Dorn and Peters' wife.
Explanation: The alleged reason for Dr. George B. Peters shooting Earl Van Dorn was an affair between Van Dorn and Peters' wife.
What was the outcome of the legal proceedings against Dr. George B. Peters for Van Dorn's murder?
Answer: He was arrested but never brought to trial.
Explanation: Dr. George B. Peters was arrested for the murder of Earl Van Dorn but was never brought to trial.
How did historians generally assess Van Dorn's military capabilities?
Answer: An aggressive cavalry commander but less effective with large infantry forces.
Explanation: Historians generally assess Van Dorn as an aggressive cavalry commander but less effective with large infantry forces, despite his bravery.
Which of the following was NOT listed as a personal trait or hobby of Earl Van Dorn?
Answer: Playing the piano
Explanation: While Van Dorn was noted for his horsemanship, artistic talents, and poetry, playing the piano was not mentioned as one of his personal traits or hobbies.
What honor was established in Earl Van Dorn's name related to naval service?
Answer: The CSS General Earl Van Dorn (Confederate Navy steamer)
Explanation: A Confederate Navy steamer, the CSS General Earl Van Dorn, was named in honor of Earl Van Dorn.
What was the impact of Van Dorn's death on the Confederacy's military efforts?
Answer: It was considered a loss during a critical juncture, especially for cavalry.
Explanation: Van Dorn's death was considered a loss for the Confederacy, particularly impacting its cavalry leadership during a critical phase of the war.
Where did Earl Van Dorn die?
Answer: Spring Hill, Tennessee
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn died in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
What comparison is made between Earl Van Dorn and other Civil War generals regarding their deaths?
Answer: He was one of three major generals who died violently due to personal issues.
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn is noted as one of three major Civil War generals who died violently due to personal issues, alongside Generals William 'Bull' Nelson and John A. Wharton.
Where was Earl Van Dorn initially buried?
Answer: In the graveyard of his wife's family in Alabama.
Explanation: Earl Van Dorn was initially buried in the graveyard of his wife's family in Alabama.
What is the historical assessment of Van Dorn's legacy concerning his command abilities?
Answer: He excelled as a cavalry leader but struggled with larger infantry formations.
Explanation: Historians assess Van Dorn's legacy as that of an exceptional cavalry leader who struggled when commanding larger infantry formations.
Which military branch did historians identify as Earl Van Dorn's area of expertise?
Answer: Cavalry
Explanation: Historians widely identify cavalry as Earl Van Dorn's area of military expertise, where he demonstrated particular brilliance.
What recent film is mentioned as dramatizing the final chapter of Earl Van Dorn's life?
Answer: The Legend of Van Dorn
Explanation: The film 'The Legend of Van Dorn,' released in 2025, is mentioned as dramatizing the final chapter of Earl Van Dorn's life.