Erwin in Unicoi County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
The Battle of Red Banks
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Reunion for the Boys in Blue
Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 26, 2009
1. The Battle of Red Banks / Reunion for the Boys in Blue Marker
The Battle of the Red Banks. On December 29, 1864, the Third Regiment of North Carolina Mounted Infantry, under Colonel George W.Kirk, engaged about 400 Confederate Infantry and Cavalry under Lt. Colonel James A.Keith at Red Banks of the Nolichucky. Seventy three Confederates were killed and 32 officers and privates were captured. The Union forces sustained only three wounded men.
Reunion for the Boys in Blue. From August 15 through 17 of 1894, a reunion was held for the veterans of the Third North Carolina Regiment at the Red Banks battleground where Col.Kirk defeated the Confederate command of Lt. Col. Keith. As reported in The Erwin Weekly Magnet, shelter, music, meals, social talks, a nightly campfire, and a Three C train stop were provided for all citizens.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1A 115.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 29, 1864.
Location. 36° 7.38′ N, 82° 26.756′ W. Marker is in Erwin, Tennessee, in Unicoi County. It is at the intersection of Jackson Love Highway (Tennessee Route 36) and Interstate
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee and in the Tri-Cities Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, the State of Franklin, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Greasy Cove Racetrack (approx. 0.3 miles away); To the Women of the Confederacy (approx. 2.1 miles away); Unicoi County / The Town of Erwin (approx. 2.3 miles away); Blue Ridge Pottery (approx. 2.3 miles away); Keystone Pottery (approx. 5.4 miles away); Plum Grove (approx. 5.9 miles away); Civil War in Tennessee (approx. 6 miles away); North Carolina / Tennessee (approx. 6.1 miles away in North Carolina). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Erwin.
Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 26, 2009
2. The Battle of Red Banks / Reunion for the Boys in Blue Marker
Photographed by Paul Crumlish, July 16, 2011
3. Wide view of The Battle of Red Banks / Reunion for the Boys in Blue Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, November 2, 2019
4. The Battle of Red Banks / Reunion for the Boys in Blue Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,117 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 3. submitted on July 20, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 4. submitted on November 17, 2019, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
