Bushwhacking was a form of guerrilla warfare common during the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, American Civil War and other conflicts in which there were large areas of contested land and few governmental resources to control these tracts. This was particularly prevalent in rural areas during the Civil War where there were sharp divisions between those favoring the Union and Confederacy in the conflict. The perpetrators of the attacks were called bushwhackers. The term "bushwhacking" is still in use today to describe ambushes done with the aim of attrition.
Notorious Confederate bushwhacker Bloody Bill Anderson
Three bushwackers; Archie Clement, Dave Pool, and Bill Hendricks.
John Nichols, a bushwacker who operated in Johnson and Pettis Counties in 1862–1863, prior to his execution in Jefferson City, Missouri, October 30, 1863
Lawrence in ruins, 1863
Guerrilla warfare in the American Civil War
Guerrilla warfare was waged during the American Civil War (1861–1865) by both sides of the conflict, but most notoriously by the Confederacy. It gathered in intensity as the war dragged.
“Morgan's Raiders enter Washington, Ohio,” illustration for Harper's Weekly, 1863.
James H. Lane USA
Colonel James Montgomery USA
Charles R. Jennison USA
