Battle of Richmond, Louisiana facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Richmond, Louisiana
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Date June 15, 1863 Location Richmond, Louisiana Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Joseph A. Mower Alfred W. Ellet	John G. Walker
Strength
"Eagle" Brigade Mississippi Marine Brigade	Walker's Greyhounds
Casualties and losses
1 killed 11 wounded	5 killed 25 captured

The Battle of Richmond was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on June 15, 1863, in Richmond, Louisiana. This battle was part of a larger plan by the Union army to capture Vicksburg, a key Confederate city. The Union won this battle, which helped them cut off supplies to Vicksburg.

Why Was Richmond Important?

Richmond, Louisiana, was a vital spot during the Civil War. It sat on a key supply route for the Confederate army. This route brought food and other important supplies into Vicksburg. Vicksburg was a very important city for the Confederates.

The Union army wanted to capture Vicksburg. To do this, they needed to stop supplies from reaching the city. After winning battles at Milliken's Bend and Young's Point, Union forces could move closer to this supply line.

Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman was a Union commander. He sent Brig. Gen. Joseph Mower and his Eagle Brigade. They were to work with Brig. Gen. Alfred W. Ellet's Marine Brigade. Their mission was to push the Confederates, led by Maj. Gen. John George Walker, out of Richmond.

The Battle Unfolds

Mower and Ellet's Union troops marched towards Richmond. Ellet's Marine Brigade led the way. Confederate scouts quickly spotted Ellet's soldiers. Maj. Gen. Walker, the Confederate commander, set up a hidden line of soldiers. These soldiers were from the 18th Texas Regiment.

The Texans attacked the Union's lead troops. This stopped the Union advance for a short time. Walker's men held their ground until Mower's main infantry arrived. Mower's brigade formed a battle line. They also set up their artillery, which are large cannons.

The battle then became mostly an artillery duel. Both sides fired cannons at each other. Meanwhile, Mower's troops found a way to move through a swampy area. This allowed them to get around the side of the Confederate forces. Walker learned that his supply wagons were now safe. His troops were also greatly outnumbered. So, he ordered his men to pull back and leave Richmond.

What Happened Next?

As Walker's Confederate soldiers retreated, they destroyed bridges behind them. This was to slow down the Union pursuit. Mower's Union troops quickly rebuilt the bridges. However, they did not chase the Confederates far. Instead, the Union forces focused on destroying the town of Richmond.

The Union victory at Richmond was important. It meant that another supply route to Vicksburg was cut off. This made it even harder for the Confederate soldiers in Vicksburg to get food and other needed items. This battle helped the Union in their larger effort to capture Vicksburg.