Cotton Plant Union order of battle facts for kids

The Battle of Cotton Plant was a fight during the American Civil War on July 7, 1862. It happened near a place called Cotton Plant in Arkansas. This battle was part of a bigger plan by the Union Army to take control of parts of Arkansas. About 10,000 Union soldiers faced off against 5,000 Confederate soldiers. The Union forces won this battle.

What Happened at Cotton Plant?

The Union Army was led by Samuel Ryan Curtis. A smaller group of Union soldiers, called an advance guard, started the fighting. This group was commanded by Charles Edward Hovey. They were attacked by two groups of Texas cavalry (soldiers on horseback). These cavalry units were led by William Henry Parsons.

The Union soldiers fought back hard. Soon, more Union soldiers arrived to help. These reinforcements were led by William P. Benton. Their arrival pushed the Texas cavalry and Arkansas infantry (soldiers on foot) back. The Confederate forces had to retreat in a hurry. After this victory, General Curtis's army moved on to occupy Helena.

Earlier Skirmishes in the Campaign

The Battle of Cotton Plant was not the only fight in this area. There were a few smaller battles before it.

The Battle of Whitney's Lane

On May 19, 1862, a Union group was looking for supplies near Searcy. This is called a foraging party. Texas cavalry attacked them at the Battle of Whitney's Lane. The Texans caused 49 casualties (soldiers killed or wounded) to the Union side.

The Battle of L'Anguille Ferry

Later, on August 3, 1862, another fight happened near Marianna. This was the Battle of L'Anguille Ferry. Here, the Texas cavalry attacked and took over a Union wagon convoy. A convoy is a group of vehicles traveling together, often for protection.

Key Leaders in the Union Army

The Union Army involved in these battles was called the Army of the Southwest.

Army Commander

The main leader of the Army of the Southwest was Major General Samuel Ryan Curtis. He was in charge of all the Union forces in this campaign.

Division Commanders

Under General Curtis, there were several division commanders. A division is a large group of soldiers.

• The First Division was led by Brigadier General Frederick Steele.
• The Second Division was led by Brigadier General Eugene A. Carr.
• The Third Division was led by Brigadier General Peter J. Osterhaus.

These commanders helped lead their soldiers through the challenging battles in Arkansas.

Images for kids

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  Major General Samuel R. Curtis, commander of the Union Army of the Southwest.

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  Brigadier General Frederick Steele, who led the First Division.

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  Brigadier General Eugene A. Carr, leader of the Second Division.

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  Brigadier General Peter J. Osterhaus, who commanded the Third Division.