OPPOSING VIEWS OF THE 1864 BATTLE OF THE CRATER The explosion of 320 kegs of gunpowder at the end of shaft beneath the Confederate lines at Petersburg on July 30, 1864, was thought to be an easy victory for the U.S. Army. Instead, it proved to be a deathtrap for Union soldiers trapped in the blast hole. Here's two views of the battle, one Northern and another Southern. "Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine. Lear