{"id":13624,"date":"2023-10-18T17:20:14","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T16:20:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=13624"},"modified":"2023-10-18T17:20:14","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T16:20:14","slug":"what-civil-war-battle-took-place-near-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-civil-war-battle-took-place-near-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"What Civil War Battle Took Place Near The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction<\/h2>\n

The American Civil War was one of the bloodiest conflicts in the nation’s history, pitting brother against brother in a long and costly struggle for freedom and future of the United States. During the course of the war, numerous battles took place in every state of the Union. One of the more notorious battles happened near the Mississippi River in an area known as the Banks–Grant Line. The battle fought here in the late months of 1864 resulted in an estimated 5,000 casualties, making it one of the deadliest battles of the war in terms of casualties.<\/p>\n

Background<\/h2>\n

This battle was part of a larger campaign known as the Franklin–Nashville Campaign, in which Union General William Sherman marched through Georgia and the Carolinas to capture Atlanta. After the fall of Atlanta, he would then march north into Tennessee. In order to prevent his advance, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest initiated a series of devastating skirmishes to disrupt the Union’s movement. He then changed his tactics, sending troops to lay siege to several Union-held forts along the Mississippi for several days. However, Union General Stephen A. Hurlbut was able to break the siege and retake the fort, leading to the Battle of Banks–Grant Line.<\/p>\n

Tactics<\/h2>\n

At the time of the battle, the Union and Confederate armies were facing off for control of the Mississippi River. This was a strategic prize for both sides, as the river was the major supply route for the Confederacy and the primary means of communication between the East and West. On one side was a Confederate force led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest. He was known for his unorthodox tactics and was not afraid to take risks in order to get the upper hand. He had a force of 8,000 men, while the Union force, led by General Stephen Hurlbut, had more than 24,000.
\nWhen the battle began, Forrest initiated a barrage of cannon fire while also launching a cavalry charge. This was intended to break the Union lines and throw the Union into disarray. Despite the heavy fire, the Union was able to hold their lines. In response, Forrest called for a retreat and the Confederates withdrew. <\/p>\n

Casualties<\/h2>\n

The Battle of Banks–Grant Line resulted in heavy casualties from both sides. The Union reported 4,189 casualties, with 2,037 killed, 1,997 injured, and 155 missing in action. The Confederate losses were more difficult to determine as many of their troops were scattered and unaccounted for, though they are estimated to have suffered around 5,000 casualties. <\/p>\n

Legacy<\/h2>\n