Battle of Decatur

Other Names: None

Location: Decatur, Alabama

Campaign: Franklin-Nashville Campaign (1864)

Date: October 26-29, 1864

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Robert S. Granger [US]; Gen. John B. Hood [CS]

Forces Engaged: 3,000–5,000[US]; 39,000[US]

Casualties and losses: 605 total (US 155; CS 450)

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

As Gen. John B. Hood began the Franklin-Nashville Campaign during the fall of 1864, his Army of Tennessee demonstrated against Decatur, Alabama, October 26-29, in an attempt to cross the Tennessee River. Union forces, under the command of Brig. Gen. Robert S. Granger for most of the battle, numbered only about 5,000 men, but successfully prevented the much larger Confederate force from crossing the river. At about noon, a Federal regiment drove the skirmishers out of the ravine, capturing 125 men. "With the soldiers hungry and supplies scarce", Hood knew he could not afford the casualties from a full-scale assault and decided to cross the Tennessee River elsewhere. He marched further the west and crossed near Tuscumbia, Alabama, where Muscle Shoals prevented interference by the Federal gunboats.