Battle of Mansfield

Battle of Mansfield
Part of the American Civil War

Map of the battlefield, 1891
DateApril 8, 1864 (160 years ago) (1864-04-08)
Location32°00′44″N 93°39′55″W / 32.0121°N 93.6652°W / 32.0121; -93.6652
Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
 Confederate States  United States (Union)
Commanders and leaders
Confederate States of America Dick Taylor United States Nathaniel P. Banks
Units involved
District of West Louisiana Army of the Gulf
Strength
8,800[1][2] to 9,000 engaged[3] 20,000[4]
12,000 engaged[5][6]
Casualties and losses
1,000 total 2,235 total
113 killed
581 wounded
1,541 captured/missing
Mansfield is located in Louisiana
Mansfield
Mansfield
Location in Louisiana

The Battle of Mansfield, also known as the Battle of Sabine Crossroads, on April 8, 1864, in Louisiana formed part of the Red River Campaign during the American Civil War, when Union forces were attempting to occupy the Louisiana state capital, Shreveport.

The Confederate commander, Major-General Dick Taylor, chose Mansfield as the place where he would make his stand against the advancing Union army under General Nathaniel Banks. Taylor concentrated his forces at Sabine Crossroads, knowing that reinforcements were nearby. Banks prepared for a fight, though his own army was not fully assembled either. Both sides were reinforced by stages throughout the day.

After a brief resistance, the Union army was routed by the Confederates, consisting mainly of units from Louisiana and Texas, reportedly strengthened by hundreds of men breaking parole. The Battle of Mansfield was followed immediately by the Battle of Pleasant Hill.

  1. ^ Kennedy 1998, p. 268.
  2. ^ Johnson 1958, p. 133.
  3. ^ Foote 1986, pp. 43, 46.
  4. ^ Foote 1986, p. 43.
  5. ^ Foote 1986, p. 46.
  6. ^ Johnson 1958, p. 140.