Battle of Jackson, Tennessee facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Jackson, Tennessee
Part of American Civil War
Scenes from Jackson, done three months before the battle
Date December 19, 1862 (1862-12-19) Location Jackson, Tennessee Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States of America
Commanders and leaders
Adolph Englemann	Nathan Bedford Forrest
Units involved
Jackson garrison	Forrest's Cavalry Division
Strength
Unknown	400 cavalry
Casualties and losses
6	Unknown

The Battle of Jackson, sometimes called the Battle of Salem Cemetery, was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on December 19, 1862, in Madison County, Tennessee. This battle was part of a larger plan by Confederate forces to disrupt Union army supplies.

Why the Battle Happened

The Battle of Jackson took place during a special mission by Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. His goal was to cut off the supply lines for Union General Ulysses S. Grant's army. Grant's army was moving south along the Mississippi Central Railroad.

Forrest wanted to destroy the Mobile & Ohio Railroad. This railroad ran through Jackson, Tennessee. If he could destroy it, Grant's army would have trouble getting supplies. This would force Grant to stop or slow down his operations.

Forrest led about 2,100 cavalry soldiers. They crossed the Tennessee River between December 15 and 17, 1862. Grant knew Forrest was coming. He gathered Union troops in Jackson under General Jeremiah C. Sullivan. Grant also sent cavalry to meet Forrest. However, Forrest's forces defeated the Union cavalry at the Battle of Lexington, Tennessee on December 18.

The Battle of Jackson

As Forrest continued his advance, General Sullivan ordered Colonel Adolph Englemann to take a small group of soldiers northeast of Jackson. They met Forrest's troops at Old Salem Cemetery.

Englemann's two infantry regiments defended their position well. They stopped a Confederate cavalry attack. After holding their ground, the Union soldiers moved back about a mile closer to town.

Forrest's main goal was not to capture Jackson. He used this fight as a trick. It was a "feint," meaning a fake attack. This trick was meant to keep the Union defenders busy in Jackson. While they were distracted, two other groups of Confederate cavalry went around the town. They destroyed railroad tracks both north and south of Jackson.

Once the railroad tracks were destroyed, Forrest pulled his troops away from Jackson. He then moved on to attack other towns like Trenton and Humboldt. So, even though the Union soldiers stopped a part of Forrest's force, the Confederates still achieved their main mission: destroying the railroad supply lines.

Rose Hill

Rose Hill is a large house built in 1823. During the Battle of Jackson, Tennessee, this house was used as a hospital. Both injured Union and Confederate soldiers were cared for there. The house is still standing today and is a private home.

Preserving the Battlefield

The American Battlefield Trust and its partners work to save important historical sites. As of early 2024, they have helped protect about 120 acres of the Jackson battlefield. This helps make sure these important places are remembered for the future.