Battle of Farmington, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Farmington |
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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 | |||||||
| George Crook | Joseph Wheeler | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 25,000 | 4,000 | ||||||
The Battle of Farmington, Tennessee was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on October 7, 1863, near Farmington, Tennessee in Marshall County, Tennessee. This battle was part of a larger plan by Confederate Major General Joseph Wheeler to disrupt Union supply lines. The Union army won this battle, forcing the Confederates to retreat.
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The Battle of Farmington
The Battle of Farmington was a quick but fierce clash. It took place as Confederate cavalry, led by General Joseph Wheeler, was trying to escape. They were being chased by Union forces. This battle was part of a larger series of events known as Wheeler's October 1863 Raid.
What Was Wheeler's Raid?
In October 1863, General Wheeler led his Confederate cavalry on a daring raid. Their goal was to attack Union supply lines. These lines were crucial for the Union army fighting around Chattanooga, Tennessee. Wheeler's men rode deep into Union territory. They destroyed railroads and captured supplies.
However, Union cavalry, led by General George Crook, quickly moved to stop them. Crook's forces were determined to catch Wheeler. They chased the Confederates for many days. Wheeler's raid caused some damage, but it didn't stop the Union army.
The Armies Meet
By October 7, Wheeler's cavalry was tired and running low on supplies. They were trying to get back to Confederate lines. As they moved through Farmington, Tennessee, Union cavalry caught up to them. General Crook's men were ready to fight.
The Confederates, though outnumbered, tried to hold their ground. They set up defensive positions. They hoped to slow down the Union advance. This would give the main Confederate force time to escape.
The Fight at Farmington
The battle began with the Union cavalry charging forward. They attacked the Confederate positions with great force. The Confederates fought back bravely at first. But the Union charge was very powerful.
The Union soldiers pushed hard against the Confederate lines. The fighting was intense but short. The Confederate defenses began to break. Many Confederate soldiers were overwhelmed.
After the Battle
The Union charge was a huge success. It completely broke the Confederate lines. Many Confederate soldiers ran away. An entire Confederate regiment (a large group of soldiers) even deserted. This means they left the army.
The Battle of Farmington was a clear Union victory. It marked the end of Wheeler's raid. The Confederates were forced to retreat in disarray. This battle showed the strength of the Union cavalry. It also helped secure Union control in the area.
