Parkers Crossroads in Henderson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Battle of Parker's Crossroads

Tour Stop 1 - Overview of Battle Area

— December 31, 1862 —

The Battle of Parker's Crossroads Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, April 11, 2021

1. The Battle of Parker's Crossroads Marker

Inscription. The north-south tree line parallel to today's Highway 22 marks the roadbed of the old Huntingdon-Lexington road. Union Colonel Cyrus L. Dunham's Brigade marched south to Parker's Crossroads on December 31, 1862 to block the route of the Confederate cavalry. South of this point is the site of Reverend John A. Parker's home (3).

Knowing that Confederate Brigadier General Nathan Bedford Forrest's 1,800 troopers were camped in the area of Flake's Store, four miles northwest of the crossroads, Dunham deployed his troops up the Cecil Wall Road (2) to meet them. The battle then progressed southeast beyond the crossroads.

Very late in the battle, in an orchard and field behind what is the present-day U.S. Post Office, Fuller's Ohio Brigade surprised Forrest's horse-holders with an attack from the north. Forrest ordered his men to "charge both ways" to get out of the trap and the Confederates then withdrew south and east across the Tennessee River.

Map The marker includes a map titled: Early Morning - December 31,1862 - Forrest's Approach To Parker's Crossroads

Erected by Parkers Crossroads Battlefield Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1850.

Location. 35° 47.832′

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N, 88° 23.419′ W. Marker is in Parkers Crossroads, Tennessee, in Henderson County. Marker can be reached from Tennessee Route 22, 0.6 miles north of Interstate 40, on the right when traveling north. Marker is at the Parkers Crossroads City Park beside the parking area and at the start of the North Loop Walking Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wildersville TN 38388, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Battle of Parker's Crossroads (here, next to this marker); Freeman's Battery (a few steps from this marker); Parker's Crossroads (within shouting distance of this marker); Parker's Crossroads City Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tides of War (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Battle of Parker's Crossroads (about 300 feet away); Morton's Battery (about 300 feet away); Forrest's West Tennessee Raid (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parkers Crossroads.

The Battle of Parker's Crossroads - Tour Stop 1 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Graff, April 24, 2012

2. The Battle of Parker's Crossroads - Tour Stop 1 Marker

Detail of Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Graff, April 24, 2012

3. Detail of Map

Battle of Parker's Crossroads Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Graff, April 24, 2012

4. Battle of Parker's Crossroads Markers

Markers at the start of the North Loop Trail.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2013, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This page has been viewed 657 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on March 10, 2014, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Photos: 1. submitted on May 30, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 1, 2013, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.