Grierson's Raid facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grierson's Raid
Part of the American Civil War
Col. Benjamin Grierson leading his 6th Illinois Cavalry
Date April 17, 1863 (1863-04-17) – May 2, 1863 (1863-05-02) Location Start: La Grange, Tennessee End: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Benjamin H. Grierson	W. Wirt Adams Robert V. Richardson and others
Strength
3 regiments	unknown

Grierson's Raid was an exciting cavalry mission during the American Civil War. It happened from April 17 to May 2, 1863. This raid was a clever plan by the Union to distract Confederate forces. It helped Ulysses S. Grant with his big attack on Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Why the Raid Happened

Operations against Vicksburg, including Grierson's Raid.      Confederate      Union

In early 1863, the Union Army was trying to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was a very important city for the Confederates. It was located on the Mississippi River.

Confederate cavalry units often attacked Union forces. These attacks caused problems for the Union. To stop this, the Union needed a plan. They wanted to draw the Confederate cavalry away. This would make it easier for Grant to attack Vicksburg.

The job of distracting the Confederates went to Benjamin Grierson. He was a Union colonel. Interestingly, Grierson used to be a music teacher. He didn't even like horses much! His cavalry group included soldiers from Illinois and Iowa.

The Daring Ride

Grierson's raiders.

Grierson and his 1,700 horse troopers began their journey. They rode over 600 miles through enemy land. They started in southern Tennessee and rode through Mississippi. Finally, they reached Union-held Baton Rouge, Louisiana. No Union soldiers had traveled these routes before.

The raiders caused a lot of damage. They tore up railroads and burned wooden ties. They freed enslaved people and burned Confederate supply buildings. They destroyed trains and food stores. They also ripped up bridges.

Some of Grierson's soldiers wore Confederate uniforms. They acted as scouts to confuse the enemy. Small groups of his troops made fake attacks. This made the Confederates unsure where Grierson was going.

Results of the Raid

Grierson's raid was very successful. His group suffered only three soldiers killed. Seven were wounded, and nine went missing. They reported killing or wounding 100 Confederates. They also captured 500 enemy soldiers.

The raiders destroyed about 50 to 60 miles of railroad. They also destroyed over 3,000 weapons. Plus, they captured 1,000 horses and mules.

The Confederate commander in Vicksburg, John C. Pemberton, had few cavalry troops. He could not stop Grierson. Other Confederate cavalry units chased Grierson. But they could not catch him.

Grierson and his tired troopers finally reached Baton Rouge. Because of Grierson's raid, many Confederate soldiers were busy. They were trying to defend the Vicksburg-Jackson railroad. This distraction was very helpful for the Union. It allowed Grant to land his troops near Vicksburg. This helped the Union win the Vicksburg Campaign.

In Popular Culture

Grierson's Raid has even inspired movies! The film The Horse Soldiers is based on this event. It stars famous actors like John Wayne and William Holden. The movie is a fictional story inspired by the real raid.