Meridian Expedition

The Meridian Expedition took place from February 3 to March 6, 1864 under the command of Major General William Tecumseh Sherman, in command of the Department of the Tennessee. The columns were under the command of Brigadier General William Sooy Smith and Colonel James H. Coates. The expedition was tasked to destroy a rebel cavalry commanded by Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest, maintain communications with Middle Tennessee and take men from the defense on the Mississippi River to the Atlanta Campaign. To maintain communications, they were to protect the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. The expedition ended with the Union Army abandoning Yazoo City.

On February 3 General Sherman’s column left Vicksburg, Mississippi and faced multiple skirmishes at Liverpool Heights; on February 4 at Champion’s Hill, Queen’s Hill, Edwards’ Ferry, and near Bolton Depot; on February 5 at Baker’s Creek, Clinton, Jackson; and on February 6 at Hillsborough. They then advanced from Memphis, Tennessee to Wyatt, Mississippi from February 6 to the 18 with skirmishes at Brandon, Morton, Satartia on February 7. February 8; Coldwater Ferry, near Morton, near and at Senatobia until February 9. From February 9 to March 6 Yazoo City was occupied by Union forces. On February 20; skirmishes took place at Hillsborough, Morton. Brigadier General W. Sooy Smith’s Column advanced from Collierville, Tennessee with further skirmishes at Raiford’s Plantation on February 11. February 12; Wall Hill, Holly Springs. February 13 skirmishes at Wyatt. February 13 to 14 skirmishes took place between Chunky Creek and Meridian. From February 14 to 20 during the Battle of Meridian, Meridian was occupied by Union forces. Further skirmishes took place at Marion Station from February 15 to 17. February 16 Lauderdale Springs. February 17 a skirmish took place near , Houlka Swamp, and on February 18 near Okolona, Aberdeen. February 19; Houston, Egypt Station, near Meridian. February 20 near West Point. February 21; Ellis’ Bridge, West Point, Prairie Station, Okolona. February 21 to 22 at Union. February 22; at the Battle of Okolona, and near Ivey’s Hill, Tallahatchie. February 23; skirmish near New Albany. February 23 at Tippah River, Canton. February 25 at Hudsonville. February 26 near Canton. February 27 at Madisonville, Sharon. February 28 at Pearl River, near Yazoo City. February 29 near Canton. March 2 at Canton. March 3 at Liverpool, Brownsville. General Sherman’s column arrived at Vicksburg on March 4. March 5 Yazoo City was attacked and abandoned by Union forces on March 6.

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