Battle of Selma

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Battle of Selma
Began:

April 2, 1865

Ended:

Same day

Location:

Dallas County, Alabama

Theater:

Western Theater

Campaign:

Wilson’s Raid in Alabama and Georgia

Outcome:

Union victory

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png
Commanders

James H. Wilson
Major General, USA

Nathan Bedford Forrest
Lieutenant General, CSA

Strength

13,500

5,000 est.

Casualties

319

2,700

  

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. (NPS summary)