Battle of Devil's Backbone

Other Names: Backbone Mountain

Location: Sebastian County, Arkansas

Campaign: Operations to Control Indian Territory (1863)

Date: September 1, 1863

Principal Commanders: Col. William F. Cloud [US]; Brig. Gen. W.L. Cabell [CS]

Forces Engaged: 2nd Kansas Cavalry, 6th Missouri Cavalry, Rabb's 2nd Indiana Battery (1,500) [US]; Cabell's Brigade (1,250) [CS]

Casualties and losses: 81 total (US 16; CS 65)

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

Union Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt ordered Col. William Cloud to continue in pursuit of the Confederate forces that had withdrawn from Fort Smith and were chased to Old Jenny Lind. The Rebels turned on Cloud and skirmished with him at the base of Devil's Backbone. Cabell's forces ambushed approaching Union troops and momentarily halted their advance. Regrouping, the Union forces, with the help of artillery, advanced again and forced the Confederates to retire in disorder to Waldron. When the action ended, both sides claimed victory. Cloud reported that the Confederates suddenly retreated during a suspension of Union gunfire. Cabell may have misinterpreted this suspension, because he reported that Cloud was repulsed and that the Confederates then withdrew.