Vance in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Skirmish at Trion
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2023
1. Skirmish at Trion Marker
Inscription.
Skirmish at Trion. . On 31 March 1865, Union Brig. Gen. John T. Croxton's Cavalry of some 1500 troops entered Tuscaloosa County with orders to destroy the State University (military school) and anything else of value to the rebel cause. Near Bucksville they destroyed Saunders Iron Works and William's Tannery (now Tannehill State Park). Learning that Confederate cavalry units under Gen. Nathan B. Forrest and Brig. Gen. W. H. (Red) Jackson were traveling near Trion, some 10 miles distant, Croxton's Brigade rode to intercept. The Union forces camped that night on the farm of Squire John White, and were attacked by Jackson's Cavalry Division as they broke camp at daybreak, 1 April. The skirmish, the first in Tuscaloosa County, occurred about a half-mile south of present-day Vance., Union losses were heavy in the running fight: some 30 killed or wounded, another 30 captured, and 150 horses lost. Croxton was forced away from his original line of march, retreating to the northeast before turning west towards the Black Warrior River some 40 miles above Tuscaloosa. Crossing to the west bank at Johnson's Ferry or Black Rock Shoals (near old Lock 17 area), the Union raiders resumed their advance on Northport and Tuscaloosa on 3 April. Jackson's Confederate forces suffered several casualties in the skirmish. One soldier from Tennessee, who died several days later in the Squire John White home, was buried nearby by Trion-area citizens.
On 31 March 1865, Union Brig. Gen. John T. Croxton's Cavalry of some 1500 troops entered Tuscaloosa County with orders to destroy the State University (military school) and anything else of value to the rebel cause. Near Bucksville they destroyed Saunders Iron Works and William's Tannery (now Tannehill State Park). Learning that Confederate cavalry units under Gen. Nathan B. Forrest and Brig. Gen. W. H. (Red) Jackson were traveling near Trion, some 10 miles distant, Croxton's Brigade rode to intercept. The Union forces camped that night on the farm of Squire John White, and were attacked by Jackson's Cavalry Division as they broke camp at daybreak, 1 April. The skirmish, the first in Tuscaloosa County, occurred about a half-mile south of present-day Vance.
Union losses were heavy in the running fight: some 30 killed or wounded, another 30 captured, and 150 horses lost. Croxton was forced away from his original line of march, retreating to the northeast before turning west towards the Black Warrior River some 40 miles above Tuscaloosa. Crossing to the west bank at Johnson's Ferry or Black Rock Shoals (near old Lock 17 area), the Union raiders resumed their advance on Northport and Tuscaloosa on 3 April. Jackson's Confederate forces suffered several casualties in the skirmish. One soldier from Tennessee, who died several days later
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in the Squire John White home, was buried nearby by Trion-area citizens.
Erected 2002 by Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa County • Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 1865.
Location. 33° 10.51′ N, 87° 14.08′ W. Marker is in Vance, Alabama, in Tuscaloosa County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 11 and Eaton Road, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 11. Marker is in front of the Vance Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10129 Eaton Rd, Vance AL 35490, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 4, 2023
2. Skirmish at Trion Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 277 times since then and 121 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.