Battle of Red Banks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Red Banks
Part of the American Civil War
Map of the Nolichucky River
Date December 29, 1864 (1864-12-29) Location Red Banks of the Nolichucky River, Tennessee, near the North Carolina line 36°07′23″N 82°26′35″W / 36.123°N 82.443°W / 36.123; -82.443 (Battle_of_Red_Banks) Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
George W. Kirk	James A. Keith
Units involved
3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry	64th North Carolina Infantry
Strength
Around 960	400
Casualties and losses
3 wounded	73 killed 32 captured

The Battle of Red Banks was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on December 29, 1864, in Tennessee, near the North Carolina border. This battle was between soldiers from the Union (the North) and the Confederacy (the South). Southern soldiers sometimes called it the Battle of the Bloody Chucky.

The Battle of Red Banks: A Civil War Clash

The Battle of Red Banks was a quick but fierce fight. It took place near the Nolichucky River in Unicoi County, Tennessee. This area was close to the border with North Carolina.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The Union side had about 960 cavalry soldiers. These troops were part of the 3rd North Carolina Mounted Infantry. They were led by Colonel George Washington Kirk.

On the Confederate side, there were about 400 soldiers. They belonged to the 64th North Carolina Infantry. Their leader was Colonel James A. Keith.

Where and When Did It Happen?

The battle happened on December 29, 1864. This was late in the American Civil War. The location was known as the Red Banks of the Nolichucky River. This spot was important because it was along a route the Union soldiers were using.

What Happened During the Battle?

Colonel Kirk's Union cavalry was on a long journey. They were moving through western North Carolina, southwest Virginia, and eastern Tennessee. Their goal was to reach Knoxville.

As they moved, they met Colonel Keith's Confederate troops at Red Banks. The Union forces attacked the Confederates. The fighting was intense.

The Outcome of the Battle

The Union soldiers were very successful in this battle. They managed to defeat a large number of Confederate troops. About a quarter of the Confederate soldiers were either killed or captured. The remaining Confederate forces had to retreat.

After their victory, the Union cavalry continued their march. They successfully moved towards Knoxville, Tennessee, as they had planned. This battle showed the strength of the Union forces in the area.