Battle of Bayou Bourbeux facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Bayou Bourbeux
Part of the American Civil War
Attack on the Sixtieth Indiana. Frank Leslie, artist
Date November 3, 1863 Location St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States of America	Confederate States of America
Commanders and leaders
Stephen Burbridge	Thomas Green
Units involved
XIII Corps	Green's Division
Strength
1,625	6,000
Casualties and losses
26 killed, 124 wounded, 566 missing	22 killed, 103 wounded

The Battle of Bayou Bourbeux was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on November 3, 1863, in southwestern Louisiana, near a town called Grand Coteau. This battle is also known by other names, like the Battle of Grand Coteau or the Battle of Carrion Crow Bayou. "Carencro" is a Cajun French word for buzzard, which is a type of bird.

This battle involved soldiers from the Confederate States Army led by Brigadier General Thomas Green. They fought against Union Army forces commanded by Brigadier General Stephen G. Burbridge.

The Battle Unfolds in Louisiana

Confederate Attack Plan

Major General Richard Taylor gave orders to General Green. Green's plan was to attack a Union camp. He got three new groups of foot soldiers, called infantry regiments, on November 2, 1863. These soldiers were led by Colonel Oran M. Roberts. With these extra troops, Green was ready to launch his surprise attack.

Heroism on the Battlefield

During the intense fighting, Lieutenant William Marland showed great bravery. He was part of the 2nd Massachusetts Battery, which operated cannons. For his courageous actions in this battle, Lieutenant Marland later received the Congressional Medal of Honor. This is one of the highest awards for military heroism in the United States.

The Outcome and Impact

The battle was a victory for the Confederate forces. The Union Army, sometimes called the Federals, had many soldiers affected. They reported 26 soldiers killed, 124 wounded, and 566 either captured or missing. The Confederate side also had losses, with 22 soldiers killed and 103 wounded. This battle was a significant event in the American Civil War in Louisiana.