Battle Detail

Selma

Other Name:
Campaign:
Wilson's Raid: Chickasaw Alabama and Macon Georgia
Date(s):
April 1865
Principal Commanders:
Brigadier General James Wilson [US] Major General Nathan Forrest [CS]
Forces Engaged:
18500 total (US 13500; CS 5000;)
Estimated Casualties:
3059 total (US 359; CS 2700;)
Description:
Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson, commanding three divisions of Union cavalry, about 13,500 men, led his men south from Gravelly Springs, Alabama, on March 22, 1865. Opposed by Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest, Wilson skillfully continued his march and eventually defeated him in a running battle at Ebenezer Church, on April 1. Continuing towards Selma, Wilson split his command into three columns. Although Selma was well-defended, the Union columns broke through the defenses at separate points forcing the Confederates to surrender the city, although many of the officers and men, including Forrest and Lt. Gen. Richard Taylor, escaped. Selma demonstrated that even Forrest, whom some had considered invincible, could not stop the unrelenting Union movements deep into the Southern Heartland.
Results:
Union Victory
CWSAC Reference #:
AL007
Preservation Priority: