Battle of Brentwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Brentwood |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of American Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Edward Bloodgood | Nathan Bedford Forrest | ||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
| 22nd Wisconsin Infantry 33rd Indiana Infantry Regiment 19th Michigan Infantry 1st Division, 1st Cavalry Corps |
Forrest's Division | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 400 | |||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 305 | 6 | ||||||
The Battle of Brentwood was a quick but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on March 25, 1863, in Williamson County, Tennessee. This battle took place near the town of Brentwood, Tennessee. It ended with a victory for the Confederate side.
The Battle of Brentwood: A Quick Fight
What Happened During the Battle?
On the morning of March 25, 1863, about 400 Union soldiers were in Brentwood. They were led by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Bloodgood. Brentwood was an important stop on the Nashville & Decatur Railroad.
A powerful group of Confederate soldiers was approaching. They were led by Brigadier General Nathan Bedford Forrest. The day before, General Forrest had sent Colonel James W. Starnes to Brentwood. Starnes's job was to cut the telegraph lines. He also had to damage the railroad tracks. This would stop any Union retreat.
General Forrest and his cavalry met Bloodgood's men around 7:00 AM on March 25. A messenger from the Union outpost told Bloodgood that Forrest's men were attacking. The messenger also said the railroad tracks were destroyed. Bloodgood tried to tell his commanders, but the telegraph lines were cut.
Forrest sent a message asking Bloodgood to surrender. Bloodgood refused to give up. But within half an hour, Forrest had cannons ready to fire. He had also surrounded the Union soldiers with a large force. Seeing no other choice, Bloodgood surrendered his men.
This battle caused a lot of damage for the Union side. Losing Brentwood and the railroad was a big setback for them.
Where is Brentwood Today?
You can still find places related to the battle in modern Brentwood.
- Johnson Chapel Road was where General Forrest led his soldiers. This road is now called Maryland Way. The approach started near where Maryland Way and High Lea Road meet today. The troops then moved east to what is now Franklin Road and Church Street.
- The other Confederate group, led by Colonel James Wellborn Starnes, set up on a nearby hill. This spot is now where the Hilton Suites on Church Street stands.
- Most of the fighting happened around what is now the Shell station. This is at the corner of Franklin Road and Old Hickory Boulevard.
