Battle of the American Civil War fought between Union Army and Confederate Army
A Union victory along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad corridor that contributed to efforts to secure supply routes to Chattanooga in 1863.
Key Facts
- Date
- 21 October 1863
- Location
- Cherokee Station, Alabama
- Union unit engaged
- XV Corps
- Duration of musket exchange
- Approximately one hour
- Artillery used
- Parrott rifles deployed by First Division, XV Corps
- Prior action
- Union captured Barton's Station on 20 October 1863
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
General Sherman sought to rebuild the Memphis and Charleston Railroad to ease Union troop movement from Mississippi to Chattanooga. Beginning reconstruction at Corinth, Mississippi, Union forces advanced into northern Alabama, capturing Barton's Station on 20 October 1863 before pressing toward Cherokee Station the following day.
On 21 October 1863, the XV Corps engaged Confederate forces near Cherokee Station, Alabama. After roughly an hour of musket fire, Confederate troops retreated. The First Division of XV Corps then deployed Parrott rifles against the withdrawing Confederates, inflicting significant casualties and securing a Union victory at the position.
Following the engagement, Union forces continued their advance and achieved a decisive victory at Little Bear Creek on 27 October, compelling the Confederates to surrender Tuscumbia. However, persistent Confederate resistance along the corridor ultimately persuaded Union commanders to pursue safer, more northerly routes to reach Chattanooga.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
William T. Sherman.
Side B
1 belligerent