Moscow in Fayette County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Battle of Moscow / Union Troops of African Descent
December 4, 1863
Three thousand Confederate cavalry with artillery, led by Gen. James Chalmers, attacked the Memphis & Charleston Railroad bridge over Wolf River and ambushed Col. Edward Hatch's brigade of Union cavalry crossing the river on the state line road wagon bridge. Intense fighting ensued and fortified Union artillery bombarded the Confederate rear. Union losses were 175 men and 100 horses. Near sunset, the Confederates withdrew, with a loss of 30 killed and 54 taken prisoners. Later, the Yankees burned the town of Moscow, leaving only two residences.
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Union troops manning the nearby fort and protecting the railroad at Moscow included African-American troops of the 2nd Regiment, West Tennessee Infantry, under command of Col. Frank Kendrick. When attacked the regiment fought from rifle pits on the east bank of Wolf River. The unit was instrumental in repelling the Confederate attack. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, commander of the 16th Army Corps, Memphis, later issued public praise, citing the regiment's "gallant and successful defense of the important position."
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 162.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1852.
Location. 35° 3.599′ N, 89° 23.983′ W. Marker is in Moscow, Tennessee, in Fayette County. Marker is on Main Street (State Highway 57), on the right when traveling west. Located on the west end of the bridge over Wolf River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Moscow TN 38057, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Battle of Moscow (here, next to this marker); The Skirmish at Lafayette Station (approx. 8.1 miles away); "Mississippi" Fred McDowell (approx. 8.2 miles away); Lucy Petway Holcombe Pickens House (approx. 8.7 miles away); Home of Lucy Holcombe Pickens (approx. 8.8 miles away); Grierson's Raid (approx. 8.9 miles away); La Grange (approx. 8.9 miles away); LaGrange (approx. 8.9 miles away).
Additional keywords. USCT
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4,010 times since then and 65 times this year. Last updated on March 15, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on October 22, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 4. submitted on October 26, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 5, 6. submitted on May 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 7. submitted on August 1, 2010, by Allen Gathman of Pocahontas, Missouri. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.