Battle of Carlisle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Carlisle |
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| Part of Gettysburg Campaign | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 USA (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| William F. Smith | Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| PA & NY state militia (~1,000 men) |
3 cavalry brigades, e.g.: Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee's brigade |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 1 KIA, 12 wounded | 8 casualties | ||||||
The Battle of Carlisle was a small fight during the American Civil War. It happened in Pennsylvania on July 1, 1863. This was the same day as the first day of the much larger Battle of Gettysburg.
During this battle, Confederate cavalry led by J.E.B. Stuart fought briefly against Union militia. The Union forces were commanded by Maj. Gen. William F. "Baldy" Smith. Stuart's cavalry also set fire to the Carlisle Barracks. After the fight, Stuart's cavalry left Carlisle. They then headed to Gettysburg, arriving during the second day of that major battle.
What Happened Before the Battle
Carlisle was settled in 1741. A military base called Carlisle Barracks was built nearby in 1757. Before the Civil War, it was a training school for the United States Army cavalry. By June 1863, the cavalry soldiers had moved to Harrisburg.
On June 27, 1863, Confederate Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell and his troops arrived in Carlisle. They were on their way to Harrisburg. Ewell asked the town for supplies, food, and animal feed. Some of Ewell's officers had actually been stationed at Carlisle Barracks before the war. Ewell paused in Carlisle while sending his cavalry towards the Susquehanna River and Harrisburg. After resting, Ewell moved north to try and capture the state capital.
Later, the Confederates left Carlisle. This was because Gen. Robert E. Lee ordered his army to gather near Gettysburg. After they left, Union forces reoccupied Carlisle. These forces were led by "Baldy" Smith. They included militia from New York and Pennsylvania.
Stuart's Attack
On the evening of July 1, Stuart led two cavalry brigades to Carlisle. They had been on a long raid through Maryland and Pennsylvania. Stuart hoped to find supplies and learn where Ewell's troops were. However, instead of Ewell, Stuart found Smith's militiamen.
Stuart's cavalry had more soldiers, but they were very tired. They had been campaigning for a month. Stuart first thought the Union troops were experienced soldiers. But he soon learned they were only militia.
Stuart sent Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee into Carlisle with a white flag. He told Smith to either leave the town or move the women and children to safety. Smith replied that he had already moved the women and children. He refused to surrender. Stuart's artillery then began firing cannons at the town.
After shelling Carlisle for several hours, Stuart received important news. He learned that a big battle had started at Gettysburg. It was between the main Union and Confederate armies. Stuart could not take Carlisle by force. So, he pulled his troops back. He ordered them to set the Carlisle Barracks on fire. Stuart's troops then started moving towards Gettysburg around 1:00 AM on July 2, 1863.
The battle caused very few casualties for both sides. A lumber yard and the town's gas works were destroyed by fire. Stuart's delay at Carlisle, however, affected his ability to join Lee's main army quickly.
