Battle Name: |
Chalk Bluff |
Other Names: |
None |
State: |
Arkansas |
Location: |
Clay County |
Campaign: |
Marmaduke’s Second Expedition into Missouri (1863) |
Dates: |
May 1-2, 1863 |
Principal Commanders: |
Brig. Gen. William Vandever [US]; Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke [CS] |
Forces Engaged: |
2nd Division, Army of the Frontier and force under command of Brig. Gen. John McNeil [US];
Marmaduke’s Cavalry Division [CS] |
Estimated Casualties: |
Unknown |
Description: |
Union Brig. Gen. William Vandever pursued Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke to Chalk Bluff, where the
Confederates hoped to cross the St. Francis River. To ford the river, Marmaduke established a rearguard that
received heavy punishment on May 1-2. Although most of Marmaduke’s raiders crossed the St. Francis River, they
suffered heavy casualties and therefore ended the expedition. |
Results: |
Confederate tactical victory (The results, however, forced Marmaduke to end his expedition, making this
a Union strategic victory.) |