Battle of Athens (1864) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Athens
Part of the American Civil War
Date January 26, 1864 Location Athens, Alabama 34°48′12″N 86°58′20″W / 34.8033°N 86.9722°W / 34.8033; -86.9722 Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States(Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Emil Adams	Moses W. Hannon
Units involved
9th Illinois Mounted Infantry	1st Alabama Cavalry
Strength
~150	~700
Casualties and losses
~30	~50

The Battle of Athens was a short but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened in Athens, Alabama (Limestone County, Alabama) on January 26, 1864. In this battle, a smaller group of Union soldiers faced a much larger Confederate force.

The Battle of Athens

On the morning of January 26, 1864, around 4:00 a.m., about 700 Confederate cavalry soldiers attacked Athens. The town was being held by a Union force of only 150 soldiers.

The Union defenders had no special forts or walls to protect them. They were outnumbered about six to one. Even with these challenges, the Union soldiers fought bravely. They were able to stop the Confederate attack. After about two hours of fighting, the Confederate forces had to retreat. This battle was a victory for the Union side.