A Sherman’s Christmas Story: Marching to the Sea and a Gift to Lincoln

In the midst of the American Civil War, Christmas of 1864 brought an unexpected moment of triumph and symbolism. Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, having completed his infamous March to the Sea, offered a historic gift to President Abraham Lincoln — the captured city of Savannah, Georgia. This gesture became one of the most iconic “Christmas presents” in American history.

The March to the Sea

Beginning in November 1864, General Sherman led 60,000 Union troops on a scorched-earth campaign from Atlanta to Savannah. The goal was to cripple the Confederacy’s war capacity by destroying infrastructure, railways, crops, and morale. The march lasted over a month and covered more than 250 miles, carving a path of disruption through the South.

Arrival in Savannah

On December 21, 1864, Union forces entered Savannah. The city, strategically important and well-supplied, was surrendered without major destruction. Its peaceful capture marked the successful end of Sherman’s campaign. Rather than taking a harsh stance, Sherman spared much of the city — a contrast to the destruction seen elsewhere.

Highlights of Sherman’s Campaign

Start	End	Distance Covered	Outcome
November 15, 1864	December 21, 1864	~250 miles	Capture of Savannah, major blow to Confederacy

The Christmas Letter to Lincoln

In a now-famous telegram dated December 22, Sherman wrote to President Lincoln:

“I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah, with 150 he