Battle of Lebanon (Tennessee) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Lebanon
Part of the American Civil War
Date May 5, 1862 Location Lebanon, Tennessee Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Ebenezer Dumont	John Hunt Morgan
Strength
600	800
Casualties and losses
10 killed 21 wounded 5 missing	60 killed unknown wounded 150 captured

The Battle of Lebanon was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on May 5, 1862, near Lebanon, Tennessee. This battle was part of a bigger conflict that divided the United States. It involved soldiers from the Union (the North) and the Confederacy (the South).

This battle is sometimes confused with another Battle of Lebanon that took place in Kentucky. That later battle also involved Confederate cavalry led by John Hunt Morgan.

Why the Battle Happened

Chasing the Confederate Cavalry

The American Civil War was a fight between the northern and southern states. In 1862, Union General Ebenezer Dumont was in charge of a group of soldiers. His mission was to chase after Confederate Colonel John Hunt Morgan and his cavalry. Cavalry are soldiers who fight on horseback.

General Dumont's soldiers came from the Nashville Garrison. This was a Union army base in Nashville, Tennessee. His force included different groups of cavalry. These were detachments from the 1st Kentucky Cavalry, the 4th Kentucky Cavalry, and the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry.

Colonel Morgan's group was the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry Regiment. They were known for their quick movements and surprise attacks.

The Battle Unfolds

Surprise Attack in the Morning

On the morning of May 5, 1862, General Dumont's Union forces surprised Colonel Morgan's Confederates. The Union soldiers attacked early, catching the Confederates off guard. This surprise attack started a long chase and fight.

A Running Battle Through the Town

The battle turned into a 15-mile chase. The Confederate soldiers were forced to retreat, meaning they had to fall back. As the fighting moved through Lebanon, some people in the town who supported the Confederacy started shooting at the Union cavalry. This made the battle even more chaotic.

Confederates Surrender

Many of the remaining Confederate soldiers tried to hide. They barricaded themselves inside buildings in the town. General Dumont then made a serious threat. He said he would set the town on fire if they did not surrender. Faced with this danger, the Confederate soldiers gave up.

What Happened After the Battle

Prisoners and Wounded Soldiers

The Battle of Lebanon ended with a clear Union victory. About 150 Confederate soldiers were taken prisoner. Among them was Lieutenant Colonel Wood, a high-ranking officer.

On the Union side, two important officers were wounded. These were Colonel Smith of the 4th Kentucky Cavalry and Colonel Wolford of the 1st Kentucky Cavalry. A wound means they were injured during the fighting.

This battle showed the Union's ability to chase and capture Confederate forces. It was a small but important step in the larger American Civil War.