Battle of Decatur

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Decatur


caption=
partof=the American Civil War
date=October 26 – October 29 1864
place=Decatur, Alabama
Morgan County and Limestone County
result=Union victory (Confederate forces could not cross the river.)
combatant1= flagicon|USA|1863 United States (Union)
combatant2= flagicon|CSA|1863 CSA (Confederacy)
commander1=Robert S. Granger
commander2=John B. Hood
strength1=Garrison and other troops (2,000 – 5,000)
strength2=Army of Tennessee (~23,000)
casualties1=155
casualties2=450

The Battle of Decatur was fought from October 26 to October 29 1864, as part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign of the American Civil War. Commanding the Union forces was Brigadier General Robert S. Granger, who had between 2,000 and 5,000 men. Commanding the Confederate forces was Lieutenant General John B. Hood, who had the 23,000-man Army of Tennessee under his command. The battle took place at Decatur, Alabama, around the Old State Bank. Slugs can still be found in the masonry of the Greek Revival building.

On October 26 1864, Gen. Hood and his army attempted to cross the Tennessee River near Decatur. However, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Granger the Union forces were able to prevent Hood's army from crossing the river.

Union Forces burned down the city of Decatur, including the railroad bridge, leaving only three structures standing. They are the Old State Bank, Dancy-Polk House, and the McEntire House.

Former Decatur resident Noel Carpenter has written what may be the only book about this battle, A Slight Demonstration, published by Legacy Books and Letters of Austin, Texas.

References

* [http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/al004.htm National Park Service battle description]
* [http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/BattleView.cfm?BID=488 eHistory website]