Battle of Vermillion Bayou facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Vermillion Bayou
Part of the American Civil War
Date April 17, 1863 (1863-04-17) Location Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Nathaniel P. Banks	Richard Taylor
Units involved
XIX Corps CONNECTICUT-- 13th, 24th and 25th Infantry. LOUISIANA-- 1st Cavalry (Co. "F"). MAINE-- 22d and 26th Infantry. MASSACHUSETTS-- 2d Battery Light Arty.; 52d Infantry. NEW YORK-- 6th, 91st, 131st and 156th Infantry. UNITED STATES--Battery "L" 1st Arty., Battery "C" 2d Arty.</ref>	Army of Western Louisiana
Casualties and losses
unknown, 91st NY Infantry "2 enlisted men wounded"	unknown

The Battle of Vermillion Bayou, also known as the Battle of Pinhook Bridge, was a fight during the American Civil War. It happened on April 17, 1863. This battle was the third in a series of clashes between two important generals. On one side was Union Major General Nathaniel P. Banks. On the other side was Confederate Major General Richard Taylor. This battle took place after the Battle of Fort Bisland and the Battle of Irish Bend. Later, on October 9, 1863, a small fight between cavalry units also happened at the same spot.

Why the Battle Happened

Union Goals in Louisiana

After the Union general, Nathaniel P. Banks, had outsmarted Confederate General Richard Taylor's army, Banks kept moving. His main goal was to reach Alexandria, Louisiana. The Confederates, led by Taylor, wanted to slow Banks down. They tried to stop him as much as they could. One of these attempts to slow him down happened right outside of Vermillion Bayou.

The Battle Unfolds

Crossing the Bayou

Map of Vermilion Bayou Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

General Taylor's smaller Confederate army was pulling back. They crossed a bridge over Vermillion Bayou. To delay Banks's Union army, Taylor's soldiers set the bridge on fire. Then, they stopped to rest. Banks was chasing Taylor. He split his army into two groups. One group went towards the burning bridge. The other group went around the side of the area.

Artillery Fire Begins

As soon as the first Union group came close to the bridge, Confederate artillery started firing. Artillery means large guns that shoot shells a long distance. The Confederate shells landed near the Union soldiers. After a while, Union artillery units arrived. Then, both sides started shooting their cannons at each other. This is called a counter-battery exchange.

Confederate Withdrawal

During the night, General Taylor knew his army was much smaller than Banks's. Because of this, he decided to pull his forces back again. He moved his army away from the battle area.

What Happened Next

Slowing Down the Union Advance

Louisiana historical marker located on eastern shore of Vermilion River adjacent to Pinhook Bridge in Lafayette, LA.

Even though General Taylor didn't defeat Banks in a major battle, he kept slowing him down. This constant slowing down prevented Banks from quickly reaching Alexandria, Louisiana. Banks's biggest goal was to capture Port Hudson, Louisiana. Taylor's actions helped delay the Union's plans.