Battle Name: |
Devil’s Backbone |
Other Names: |
Backbone Mountain |
State: |
Arkansas |
Location: |
Sebastian County |
Campaign: |
Operations to Control Indian Territory (1863) |
Dates: |
September 1, 1863 |
Principal Commanders: |
Col. William F. Cloud [US]; Brig. Gen. W.L. Cabell [CS] |
Forces Engaged: |
2nd Kansas Cavalry, 6th Missouri Cavalry, and two sections of Rabb’s 2nd Indiana Battery [US];
Cabell’s Brigade [CS] |
Estimated Casualties: |
81 total (US 16; CS 65) |
Description: |
Union Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt ordered Col. William Cloud to continue in pursuit of the Confederate
forces that had withdrawn from Fort Smith and were chased to Old Jenny Lind. The Rebels turned on Cloud and
skirmished with him at the base of Devil’s Backbone. Cabell’s forces ambushed approaching Union troops and
momentarily halted their advance. Regrouping, the Union forces, with the help of artillery, advanced again and
forced the Confederates to retire in disorder to Waldron. |
Results: |
Union victory |