Memphis-First Battle

June 6, 1862
Shelby County

The “first” battle of Memphis was a naval engagement on June 6, 1862 between the Union Mississippi River Squadron (Flag Officer Charles Davis) and the Confederate “River Defense Fleet” (James E. Montgomery). In the two-hour engagement all but one of the Confederate “cotton clads” were captured or destroyed resulting in the surrender of the City of Memphis and opening up the Mississippi River to Union transport and gunboats to Vicksburg.

Do you have a photo of this battlefield?

Discover More Battle Fields

Mink Springs

On April 13, 1864 Confederate cavalry attacked a Union outpost under the command of Brig. Gen. Edward McCook at Mink

Read More »

Dover

In an attempt to disrupt shipping on Cumberland River two brigades of Confederate cavalry commanded by Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler attacked the

Read More »

Snow Hill

On April 3, 1863, two Union brigades under Gen. Stanley advanced to this position to battle a Confederate Division commanded

Read More »