Battle of Britton's Lane facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Britton's Lane
Part of the American Civil War
Date September 1, 1862 Location Madison County, Tennessee Result CSA victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Elias S. Dennis	Frank C. Armstrong
Strength
2 Cavalry troops 2 Infantry regiments Artillery battery	Cavalry brigade
Casualties and losses
8 killed ~50 wounded 50+ captured	75 killed or wounded 213 captured

The Battle of Britton's Lane was a short but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on September 1, 1862, near a small village called Denmark in Madison County, Tennessee. This battle was part of a bigger plan by the Confederate army to stop Union forces.

The Battle of Britton's Lane

This battle was a quick but fierce clash between soldiers from the Union (the North) and the Confederacy (the South). It took place in rural Tennessee, a state that saw many battles during the war.

What Was the American Civil War?

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a major conflict in the United States. It was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). The main reasons for the war included disagreements over slavery and states' rights. Many battles were fought across the country, especially in the South.

Who Fought at Britton's Lane?

In this battle, the Union forces were led by Colonel Elias Smith Dennis. His group included two troops of Cavalry (soldiers who fight on horseback), two Infantry regiments (larger groups of foot soldiers), and an Artillery battery (soldiers who use cannons).

The Confederate forces were led by Brigadier General Frank C. Armstrong. He commanded a Cavalry brigade, which is a large group of horse-mounted soldiers.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Confederate army had a specific goal for this battle. Major General Sterling Price ordered General Armstrong to lead his cavalry north from Mississippi. The main idea was to stop Union General Ulysses S. Grant from sending his soldiers to help another Union general, Don Carlos Buell, in Tennessee. By attacking, the Confederates hoped to keep Grant's troops busy and away from Buell. This kind of attack is called a "raid."

What Happened During the Battle?

General Armstrong's Confederate cavalry brigade attacked Colonel Dennis's Union force. The fight lasted for about four hours. It was a tough battle for both sides. The Confederate raiders faced strong resistance from the Union soldiers.

What Was the Outcome?

The battle ended with a victory for the Confederates. Even though they had many soldiers killed or wounded (about 75), they managed to capture 213 Union soldiers and two cannons. The Union forces also suffered losses, with 8 killed, around 50 wounded, and more than 50 captured.

After achieving their goal of disrupting Union plans and capturing prisoners and cannons, the Confederate raiders pulled back. Their mission to prevent Union reinforcements from moving was successful.

Quick Facts About the Battle

• Date: September 1, 1862
• Location: Near Denmark, Madison County, Tennessee
• Sides: Union vs. Confederacy
• Union Commander: Colonel Elias S. Dennis
• Confederate Commander: Brigadier General Frank C. Armstrong
• Result: Confederate victory
• Purpose: To stop Union General Grant from reinforcing General Buell