Collierville in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Battle of Collierville
Photographed by Judith Barber, February 6, 2013
1. Battle of Collierville Marker
On Oct. 11, 1863, Gen. James R. Chalmers, with a force of about 3000 Confederate cavalrymen, consisting of the 7th TN, 13th TN, 18th MS, 2nd MO, 2nd AR, and 3rd MS, approached Collierville from the south along Mt. Pleasant Road. Collierville, a Union supply base, was occupied continuously during the war by Union forces, the town being heavily fortified and occupied by the 66th IN Infantry. At this time a battle ensued and the ground was heavily contested. By coincidence, on the same day Maj. Gen. W.T. Sherman was dispatched from Memphis to start his “March to the Sea”.
(Side two):
He was surprised as his train arrived at the height of the battle. Gen. Sherman threw his escort company into the fray and quickly moved to the depot for protection. The Confederates captured his train containing supplies and a number of fine horses including the Generals favorite mare; “Dolly”. The battle continued for about 3 hrs. The Confederates withdrew realizing heavy Union reinforcements were in route. Sherman ordered many of the towns buildings burned. This engagement was the bloodiest battle of the war in Shelby County. Confederate casualties 51, Union 110.
Erected by Erected by Sons of Confederate Veterans Wigfall Greys Camp 1560.
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Location. 35° 2.538′ N, 89° 39.885′ W. Marker is in Collierville, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is on North Rowlett Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 64 Nort Rowlett Street, Collierville TN 38017, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee and in Greater Memphis. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in the Upper South, in the Mississippi Delta, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Wigfall Grays (a few steps from this marker); Collierville, Tenn. (within shouting distance of this marker); History Of The Collierville Town Square (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Collierville (within shouting distance of this marker); Collierville, Tennessee Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Memphis & Charleston Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Collierville Civil War Battles Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Collierville United Methodist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Collierville.
Also see . . . Wikipedia article on the First Battle of Collierville.
Photographed by Judith Barber, February 6, 2013
2. Battle of Collierville Marker
Side two
Photographed by Judith Barber, February 6, 2013
3. Battle of Collierville Marker
Marker is the second in a row of three.
Photographed by Judith Barber, February 6, 2013
4. Battle of Collierville Marker
Marker is in the town square park.
Photographed by Judith Barber, February 6, 2013
5. Battle of Collierville Marker
Marker is in the town square park.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2013, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,595 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 8, 2013, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
