Parkers Crossroads

On December 31, 1862 the Union brigades of Col. Cyrus L. Dunham and Col. John W. Fuller attempted to prevent the cavalry of Brig. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest from withdrawing across the Tennessee River. Dunham’s and Forrest’s routes brought them into contact at Parker’s Cross Roads. Skirmishing began about 9:00 AM with Forrest taking a position along a wooded ridge northwest of Dunham at the intersection. Confederate artillery gained an early advantage. Dunham pulled his brigade back a half-mile and redeployed, facing north. The Federals repelled frontal feints until attacked on both flanks and rear by Forrest’s mounted and dismounted troops. During a lull, Forrest sent Dunham a demand for an unconditional surrender. Dunham refused and was preparing for Forrest’s next attack when Fuller’s Union brigade arrived from the north and surprised the unprepared Confederates with an attack on their rear. The Confederates reversed front, repelled Fuller, then rushed past Dunham’s demoralized force and withdrew across the Tennessee River. Both sides claimed victory.