Battle of Johnsonville, 4 November 1864 (1864)

Confederate forces under Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked the Union supply base at Johnsonville, Tennessee, on November 4, 1864. The engagement involved artillery bombardment that sank multiple vessels and destroyed significant quantities of supplies. This action occurred during the broader Franklin-Nashville campaign, following earlier raids in the region.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Tennessee had been occupied by federal troops since 1862, with Sherman charging Thomas with its defense. In late September 1864, Hood's army departed northwest from Atlanta, hoping to lure Union forces by destroying supply lines. Forrest's men began riding on October 16, 1864, setting the stage for operations against Union logistics in the region.

Engagement. Forrest's command reached the area after departing on November 1, 1864. On the evening of November 3, 1864, Forrest's artillerist prepared for action. The Confederates shelled the city on November 4, sinking three gunboats and nearly thirty other ships. Many tons of supplies were destroyed during this bombardment.

Aftermath. Following the destruction at Johnsonville, Forrest's command proceeded to Perryville, Tennessee, eventually reaching Corinth, Mississippi, on November 10, 1864. The engagement was part of a series of battles in the Western Theater conducted from September to December 1864, aimed at disrupting Union control in Tennessee.

People involved

Sources

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