Battle of Elkin's Ferry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Elkin's Ferry
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
The Little Missouri at Elkin's Ferry
Date April 3 – 4, 1864 Location Clark and Nevada counties, Arkansas Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Maj. Gen. Frederick Steele	Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke
Strength
8,500	7,500
Casualties and losses
38	54

The Battle of Elkin's Ferry happened on April 3–4, 1864, in Arkansas. It was part of the Camden Expedition during the American Civil War. This battle was a small but important fight. It helped the Union army cross a river and continue their mission.

Why the Battle Happened

Major General Frederick Steele led about 8,500 Union soldiers. Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke commanded about 7,500 Confederate cavalry (soldiers on horseback). The Union army was on an important journey called the Camden Expedition. They needed to cross the Little Missouri River. All the bridges were broken, so they had to find a shallow place to cross, known as a ford.

The Battle at the Ferry

Map of Elkin's Ferry Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

Since the bridges were destroyed, General Steele ordered his troops to take control of Elkin's Ferry. This was a key crossing point. On the evening of April 2, 1864, Union soldiers from the 43rd Indiana Regiment arrived. They quickly crossed the river in the dark. Then, they set up defenses to protect the crossing. They waited for the rest of Steele's army to arrive.

Confederate General Marmaduke knew the Union was trying to cross. He ordered his cavalry, led by Brigadier General Joseph O. Shelby, to attack. Their goal was to push the Union soldiers back and take the ferry.

• April 3: The next day, April 3, there was some light fighting. Union soldiers from the 43rd Indiana went forward to check on the enemy. They pushed back some Confederate scouts. Sixteen Confederate soldiers were captured. The Union commander, Colonel William McLean, realized the Confederates were nearby in large numbers. He expected a bigger attack soon.

• April 4: Early on April 4, the Confederates attacked with a lot of force. They fought the Union advance companies for almost two hours. The Union soldiers, supported by artillery, fought bravely. During this fight, a Confederate officer, who was an aide to General Marmaduke, was captured. This confirmed that General Marmaduke himself was close by.

The Confederates tried to go around the Union's left side. They wanted to capture the Union cannons. But the Union soldiers from the 36th Iowa fired at them. This stopped the Confederate charge. Soon after, more Union troops arrived as backup. The Confederates then pulled back. During the fighting, a Union general, General Rice, was slightly wounded in the head by a cannonball fragment. Luckily, he recovered.

After the Battle

The Battle of Elkin's Ferry did not have many casualties. The Confederates lost 18 soldiers killed and 50 wounded. The Union army had 30 soldiers wounded. On the evening of April 4, General Shelby's troops joined General Marmaduke. The next morning, they moved about 16 miles south to Prairie D'Ane. This battle was a Union victory. It allowed General Steele's army to continue their march during the Camden Expedition.

Saving the Battlefield

The Civil War Trust, which is part of the American Battlefield Trust, works to save historic battlefields. They and their partners have helped protect 442 acres at the Elkin's Ferry Battlefield. This helps make sure future generations can learn about this important place.