New Johnsonville in Humphreys County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Final Tally

The Battle of Johnsonville

— November 4, 1864 —

The Final Tally Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, July 10, 2021

1. The Final Tally Marker

Inscription. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest's raid destroyed thirty-three vessels and millions of dollars worth of supplies. He took 150 prisoners. Yet, in the end, the raid had little effect on Gen. Sherman's plans to move deeper into Georgia or on the final outcome of the war.

The Depot Commander Panics

Expecting Forrest to attack again, the depot commander wired Nashville: "My officers and crew I have ordered to the fort. Johnsonville can only be saved by a large force and iron-clads."

In response, Gen. George H. Thomas diverted an entire army corps, some 15,000 men, to Johnsonville. By the time they arrived, Nathan Bedford Forrest was long gone. All that remained was to pick through the smoldering remains of the depot.

An Ineffective Victory

Forrest's raid was spectacular and innovative. It added to the body of legend surrounding the charismatic cavalry commander. But ultimately, Forrest only scratched the Union war machine. Gen. William T. Sherman marched to the sea. The Union army marched toward victory.

(captions)
The fire at Johnsonville was spectacular but did little lasting damage to the depot. Afew weeks after the battle, the depot was receiving and shipping supplies as usual. Courtesy of Tennessee State Library and Archives
Five days after Forrest

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attacked Johnsonville, Gen. Sherman cut his supply line. His soldiers destroyed the depot and tracks in Atlanta. Sherman's army marched to the sea, taking what it needed from the people of Georgia. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Erected by Tennessee State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is November 4, 1864.

Location. 36° 3.77′ N, 87° 57.939′ W. Marker is in New Johnsonville, Tennessee, in Humphreys County. Marker is on Old Johnsonville Road west of Museum Road, on the right when traveling west. Located in Johnsonville State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Museum Rd, New Johnsonville TN 37134, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Forrest Shells the Depot (here, next to this marker); Forrest's Opening Move (here, next to this marker); The Horse Corral (within shouting distance of this marker); The Union Supply Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Artillery at Johnsonville (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Tennessee River in the Civil War (about 300 feet away); Winfrey Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Lower Redoubt (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Johnsonville.

Also see . . .

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Johnsonville State Historic Park. Tennessee State Parks (Submitted on July 12, 2021.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 11 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 10, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

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