Battle of Nashville facts for kids

The Battle of Nashville was a very important fight during the American Civil War. It happened in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 15 and 16, 1864. This battle was a big victory for the Union army. It helped end the war in the western part of the United States.

What Was the Battle of Nashville?

The Battle of Nashville was one of the last major battles in the western theater of the Civil War. It involved the Confederate Army of Tennessee. This army was led by John Bell Hood. They fought against the Union Army of the Cumberland. This Union army was commanded by George Henry Thomas.

Why Was Nashville Important?

Nashville was a key city during the Civil War. It was a major transportation hub. It also had many factories and supplies. The Union army had captured Nashville earlier in the war. They used it as a base. The Confederates wanted to take it back.

The Franklin–Nashville Campaign

The Battle of Nashville was the final part of a larger plan. This plan was called the Franklin–Nashville Campaign. General Hood's Confederate army marched north into Tennessee. They hoped to draw the Union army out of Nashville. They also wanted to cut off Union supply lines.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The Union forces were led by Major General George H. Thomas. He was known as "The Rock of Chickamauga." His army included many different units. These included the IV Corps and the XVI Corps. They also had a cavalry corps.

The Confederate forces were led by Lieutenant General John Bell Hood. His army was much smaller than the Union army. It had been weakened by earlier battles. Hood's main commanders included Benjamin F. Cheatham, Stephen D. Lee, and Alexander P. Stewart.

Union Commanders

• Major General George H. Thomas (Overall Commander)
• Major General John Schofield
• Major General James B. Steedman
• Brigadier General Thomas J. Wood
• Major General A.J. Smith
• Brigadier General James H. Wilson (Cavalry)

Confederate Commanders

• Lieutenant General John Bell Hood (Overall Commander)
• Major General Benjamin F. Cheatham
• Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee
• Lieutenant General Alexander P. Stewart
• Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest (Cavalry, not directly at Nashville but nearby)

The Battle Begins: December 15, 1864

On the first day, the Union army attacked the Confederate lines. General Thomas had a clever plan. He sent some of his troops to attack the Confederate right side. This was a distraction.

The Main Attack

The real attack came on the Confederate left side. Union troops, including those led by General A.J. Smith, pushed forward. They were supported by Union cavalry. The Confederate lines were spread out. They were also not very strong.

Confederate Lines Break

The Union attack was very successful. The Confederate left flank collapsed. Many Confederate soldiers were captured. Others ran away. General Hood tried to regroup his army. He pulled them back to a new defensive line.

The Second Day: December 16, 1864

The fighting continued on the second day. The Confederates had built new defenses overnight. These defenses were on a line of hills. One important hill was called Shy's Hill.

Union Attacks Continue

General Thomas ordered more attacks. The Union army kept up the pressure. They attacked the Confederate center and flanks. The fighting was fierce.

The Fall of Shy's Hill

Late in the afternoon, Union troops launched a strong assault on Shy's Hill. This hill was a key part of the Confederate defense. The Union soldiers charged up the hill. They broke through the Confederate lines.

Confederate Retreat

With Shy's Hill captured, the entire Confederate line broke. The Confederate army was completely defeated. They began a desperate retreat. Many soldiers were captured or killed.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Battle of Nashville was a huge victory for the Union. It effectively destroyed the Confederate Army of Tennessee. This army was no longer a major fighting force.

End of the Western War

This battle helped to end the war in the western states. It showed that the Union had strong control there. It also freed up Union troops to fight elsewhere.

Impact on the War

The defeat at Nashville was a major blow to the Confederacy. It weakened their ability to continue fighting. It was a big step towards the end of the American Civil War.

Images for kids

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  Kentucky-Northern Tennessee, 1864.

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  Southern Tennessee-Alabama, 1864.

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  On December 7, 1864 the USS Neosho engaged the Confederate batteries at Bell's Bend. This sketch shows the ironclad moving upstream, firing on the batteries on the north bank.

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  Federal outer line, December 16, 1864

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  Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, (Commanding)

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  Maj. Gen. John Schofield

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  Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman

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  Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood

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  Maj. Gen. A.J. Smith

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  Brig. Gen. James H. Wilson

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  Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood, (Commanding)

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  Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Cheatham

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  Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee

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  Lt. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart

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  Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest

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  Battle of Nashville, situation about 1600 Hours (December 16, 1864)

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  Battle of Nashville memorial atop Shy's Hill