The Battle

Map of basic troops movements at the Battle of Brices Cross Roads
Basic map of troop movements at the Battle of Brices Cross Roads

NPS

The bold numbers in this text reference the numbers on the map.

Sturgis's army moved out at dawn on June 10, 1864, headed southeast, the cavalry in the lead (1). About a half-mile east of the crossroads (2) the lead elements of the Federal cavalry met the Confederate Kentucky brigade about 9:30 a.m. and the battle began. By 11:00 a.m. Forrest, now reinforced, began to push the Federals back toward the crossroads. The Federal horsemen held out long enough for infantry reinforcement. Having formed an arcing battle line around the crossroads (3), the two forces battled for the next 4 hours. By 5 p.m., after enveloping both Federal flanks and launching a slashing frontal attack, Forrest had shattered Sturgis's line, forcing the Federals to retreat back toward Memphis (4). An overturned wagon at the Tishomingo Creek bridge slowed the Federal retreat and resulted in the loss of 16 artillery pieces and supply wagons containing guns and ammunition. Thanks to a series of defensive actions by a brigade of United States Colored Troops, most of Sturgis's army was able to escape almost certain capture.

Last updated: May 5, 2021

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804

Phone:

18003057417
This is the best way to contact us. A park ranger is available 7 days a week during business hours to answer your questions about the park. The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving, December 25th and January 1st.

Contact Us