Dec 19, 1862 Battle of Jackson, Tennessee

   Southeast of Jackson, Tennessee, skirmishes between December 11, 1862 and January 1, 1863 between Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry and Union forces took place around this area.



"The Battle of Salem Cemetery

Here on December 19, 1862, Confederate forces under the command of Nathan B. Forrest fought Union forces commanded by Colonel Adolph Engelmann. After a cavalry charge was repulsed, the Confederate artillery forced the retreat of the Federals, and Forrest withdrew toward Humboldt. About 1,000 men were engaged in the two-hour battle."

"Battle of Salem Cemetery

Dec 19, 1862

Confederate Gen Nathan B Forrest Commanding Col B.J. Biffle's Cavalry battalion of about 400 men, Col T.G. Woodward's two Co's of KY cavalry, Capt S.L. Freeman's artillery of two smooth bore cannon and one 3" Rodman steel ordinance rifle captured in battle at Lexington, Tenn. the previous day.

Federal Col Adolph Engelmann commanding 500 men of the 43rd and 61st Ill Infantry, units of the 2nd West Tenn, 5th Ohio and 11th Ill Cavalry. The Federals were forced back toward Jackson."

Tour Stop 2, The Large Oak Tree

(Old Salem Cemetery is across the road in the background)

   It was at this point on Dec 19, 1862 that Col Engelmann(US) ambushed a column of Forrest's cavalry(CS). They were forced to retreat out of rifle range after suffering a substantial loss. Their artillery was brought up and shelled the Federals until they withdrew.