Memphis, Tennessee
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Contributors: 1. Bryan Risher, Hernando, MS 2. Richard Edling, Philadelphia, PA 3. Matt Hering, Memphis, TN 4. Don Worth, UCLA 5. Webmaster |
Links: 1. Battle of Memphis - Wikipedia 2. Memphis, Tennessee - Wikipedia 3. Memphis Tennessee in the Civil War 4. Battle Summary: Memphis, TN 5. History of Memphis 6. Elmwood Cemetery |
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(7-06) Enlarge The Memphis waterfront. After the naval Battle of Memphis, June 6, 1862, the city surrendered to Federal naval forces commanded by Captain Charles H. Davis. Memphis later became a vital Federal base depot and command center. Generals Grant and Sherman headquartered here preparing for their campaigns against Vicksburg. In December, 1862, Federal troops under Sherman boarded transports at the Memphis wharfs and proceeded down the Mississippi to the Yazoo River above Vicksburg. The Battle of Chickasaw Bayou followed resulting in a Union loss |
(6-93) Upstream view of the Mississippi River from the I-40 Bridge |
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(7-01) Enlarge Downstream view of the Mississippi River from Confederate Park on Front Street. Mud Island in center of photo, I-55 bridge in background |
(7-01) Enlarge Confederate Park. Site Marker: Confederate History of Memphis. This bluff was fortified by Gen. Pillow May 1862. Thirty seven companies were equipped here for the Confederate service. The Confederate Ram, Arkansas, one of the first ironclad battleships in the Navy was built and partially armored here, but fearing capture she was sent down the river to be completed and was not ready for action at the time of the attack of the Federal fleet June 6, 1862. The Confederate fleet of 8 boats protected only by cotton bales and carrying 18 guns gallantly resisted this attack of 6 armored gun boats, 4 rams and 20 mortar boats carrying 84 guns. The engagement lasted 90 minutes and was the first battle between steam rams in history. At dawn Aug. 21, 1864, Gen. N. B. Forrest made his grand strategic raid into Memphis, which was then held by Federal general's with 10,000 men. His object being to check the advance of the Federal army into Miss. Arriving here with only 1500 picked men, spent with 50 hours continuous marching, he sent this telegram: Forrest holds Memphis to the Federal headquarters in Miss. The Federal officers, taken by surprise, rushed from their bedrooms and secreted themselves about the city. After spending 2 hours here, Forrest cut the wires, and left the city taking 500 prisoners, and large quantities of supplies. His loss was only 25 wounded and 8 killed, while the enemy's loss was 90 wounded and 30 killed. Pres. Davis was a resident of this city for 9 years after his release from prison. |
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