Battle of Pine Bluff facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Pine Bluff
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Pine Bluff Battlefield
Date October 25, 1863; 161 years ago (1863-10-25) Location Jefferson County, Arkansas 34°13′47″N 92°00′12″W / 34.22972°N 92.00333°W / 34.22972; -92.00333 Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Col. Powell Clayton	Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke
Units involved
Post of Pine Bluff	Marmaduke's Division
Strength
550 cavalry and militia, 300 freedmen, 9 guns	2,000 cavalry, 12 guns
Casualties and losses
16 dead and 40 wounded or missing	41 dead, wounded or missing

The Battle of Pine Bluff was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on October 25, 1863. In this battle, soldiers from the Union army successfully defended the town.

The Union soldiers were led by Colonel Powell Clayton. They fought against attacks from Confederate soldiers. The Confederate forces were commanded by Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke. A lot of the fighting took place near the Jefferson County Courthouse. The Confederate soldiers tried to burn the courthouse down, but they failed. The Union victory meant that Pine Bluff stayed under Union control until the war ended in 1865.

Why Did the Battle of Pine Bluff Happen?

After the Union army captured Little Rock, Arkansas, they started to control other towns along the Arkansas River. Pine Bluff was one of these towns. Confederate General John S. Marmaduke wanted to see how strong the Union forces were in Pine Bluff. So, on October 25, 1863, he decided to attack the Union base there. This base was called the Post of Pine Bluff. Colonel Powell Clayton was in charge of the Union soldiers at this post.

How the Battle Unfolded

At 8:00 in the morning, General Marmaduke's 2,000 cavalry soldiers began to approach Pine Bluff. They came from three different directions. The Union forces had about 550 cavalrymen and Missouri militia soldiers. They also had help from 300 freedmen, who were formerly enslaved people.

The Union soldiers quickly built barricades around the courthouse square. They used cotton bales to make these defenses. They also placed their cannons in positions where they could fire down the nearby streets.

General Marmaduke's soldiers attacked the square many times. They tried hard to break through the Union defenses. When they couldn't, they tried to set the county courthouse on fire. However, their attempts to burn the building were not successful. After failing to take the town, the Confederate soldiers pulled back. They retreated to Princeton, Arkansas.

What Was the Result?

The Battle of Pine Bluff was a clear victory for the Union army. Colonel Clayton and his soldiers successfully defended the town. This victory was important because it kept Pine Bluff under Union control for the rest of the Civil War.

See also

• List of American Civil War battles
• Troop engagements of the American Civil War, 1863