BATTLEFIELD ASSESSMENT

Jefferson Pike

December 27, 1862

Rutherford/Bedford

On December 27, 1862, the Fourth Michigan Cavalry joined Col. William B. Hazen’s Union brigade in a strike to seize the bridge across Stewarts Creek on the Jefferson Pike. The Michigan troopers quickly pushed the detachment of the 51 st Alabama Partisan Rangers from the bridge and then withstood several counterattacks by Gen. Joseph Wheeler’s cavalry brigade until the arrival of Hazen’s infantry and artillery sealed Union control of the crossing. The seizure of the Jefferson Pike bridge and another bridge across Stewart’s Creek on the Nashville (Murfreesboro) Pike to the south secured two key crossings of a significant barrier for he Left Wing of the Union army. Control of the bridges would allow this portion of the army to move swiftly towards Murfreesboro without the risks accompanying fording a flooded watercourse.

PRESERVATION OPPORTUNITY INDEX

LOW

A rating assigned for each battlefield to indicate relative opportunity and potential for successful site preservation.

SITE DETAILS

County

Rutherford/Bedford

Date

December 27, 1862

Preservation Opportunity

LOW

Confederate Units

Gen. Jospeph Wheeler’s cavalry, 51st Alabama Partisan Rangers

Union Units

Col. William B. Hazen’s Brigade, 4th Michigan Cavalry

Jefferson Pike

Account of Engagement

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