Battle of Blountville facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Blountville
Part of the American Civil War
Date September 22, 1863 Location Blountville, Sullivan County, Tennessee Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
John W. Foster	James E. Carter
Units involved
1 brigade	1,200
Casualties and losses
27	165

The Battle of Blountville was a fight during the American Civil War. It happened on September 22, 1863, in Sullivan County, Tennessee. This battle was a victory for the Union side.

What Was the Battle of Blountville?

The Battle of Blountville was part of a larger plan by the Union forces. They wanted to take control of East Tennessee. This area was important for its roads and mountain passes that led to Virginia. They also aimed to secure the saltworks in southwestern Virginia. Saltworks were places where salt was made, which was a very important resource during the war.

This map shows the battlefield areas around Blountville, Tennessee.

The Battle Begins

On September 22, 1863, a Union officer named Colonel John W. Foster led his soldiers into action. His group included cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and artillery (large guns). They met with Confederate Colonel James E. Carter and his troops in Blountville.

What Happened During the Battle?

Colonel Foster's Union forces attacked around noon. The battle lasted for about four hours. During this time, the Union soldiers fired their cannons at the town. This is called "shelling." They also tried a "flanking movement." This means they tried to go around the side of the Confederate army to attack them from an unexpected direction.

Because of the shelling and the flanking movement, the Confederate soldiers had to pull back. They left Blountville. This Union victory was an important first step. It helped the Union try to push Confederate Major General Sam Jones and his troops out of East Tennessee.

The Courthouse Fire

During the battle, the Sullivan County courthouse in Blountville caught fire. The shelling caused the fire, which badly damaged the building. The courthouse was later rebuilt in 1866.