Battle of Munford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Munford |
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| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
 Munford and vicinity (USGS map 1900) |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Brig. Gen. John T. Croxton | Brig. Gen. Benjamin J. Hill | ||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
| Croxton's Brigade 2nd Michigan Cavalry 4th Kentucky Mtd. Infantry 6th Kentucky Cavalry 8th Iowa Cavalry |
Hill's Brigade Lowe's Alabama Cavalry Hays' Tennessee Cavalry One section of artillery |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 1,500 | 500 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Total: 26 Killed: 4 Wounded: 15 Captured or Missing: 7 |
Total: 15 Killed: 1 Wounded: unknown Captured: 14 |
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| The 2nd Michigan Cavalry (the advance regiment of the brigade) lost two men killed, five missing and two captured in the charge through Munford. In rearguard actions, the 8th Iowa Cavalry lost two men killed. | |||||||
The Battle of Munford was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened in Munford, Alabama, on April 23, 1865. This battle was one of the very last fights of the war. It took place east of the Mississippi River.
The battle involved about 1,500 Union Army cavalry soldiers. They were led by General John T. Croxton. These Union troops were part of a larger mission called Wilson's Raid.
Who Fought in the Battle?
The Union soldiers were experienced cavalrymen. They had powerful 7-shot Spencer repeating carbines. This made them very strong in a fight.
The Confederate soldiers were led by General Benjamin Jefferson Hill. Their group was made up of different kinds of fighters. Some were home guards, who protected their local areas. Others were soldiers recovering from injuries or those who had returned after leaving the army.
What Happened During the Battle?
The Union cavalry attacked the Confederate forces. Lieutenant Lewis E. Parsons had two cannons for the Confederates. He fired them a few times. However, the Union troops quickly moved forward and took control.
The battle was short. The Union side won the fight. After the war ended, Lewis E. Parsons became the temporary governor of Alabama.
The Last Soldier Killed
The Battle of Munford is known for a sad reason. It is believed that the soldiers killed here were the last ones to die in open combat. This means they were the last to be killed in a direct fight between the two armies.
Andrew Jackson Buttram was a Lieutenant for the Confederates. He was killed during the Battle of Munford. He is remembered as the last Confederate soldier to die in battle east of the Mississippi River.
THE LAST BATTLE.
Many battles have been called "the last fight of the rebellion." But it is a fact that a part of the Second Michigan cavalry, led by Major Whittemore, attacked General Hill's forces near Talladega, Alabama, on April 23, 1865. They were supported by their regiment and brigade. They scattered the Confederate force and captured their cannons and many prisoners. This was fourteen days after the surrender at Appomattox. The next day, the area was full of small groups of people going home.
-Captain Marshall P. Thatcher, Second Michigan Cavalry
