Parkers Crossroads in Henderson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Union Wagon Train
Protecting the Wagons: The success or failure of any campaign depended on the safety of the supply trains. When Dunham deployed his forces along the Lexington-Huntingdon Road the Union wagon train was sent to the rear, out of harm's way. The wagoners drove the supply train into the hollow in front of you, where the terrain concealed the wagons and offered some protection.
Wagons Captured: When the Confederates charged the Union rear, the wagons were caught in the middle. The two companies guarding the train met the Confederate charge but some of the wagoners panicked. While attempting to escape they drove deeper into the hollow where they were captured.
Retaking the Wagons: When Dunham learned what had happened, he called upon the 39th Iowa, asking, "Will anyone volunteer to retake our wagons?" Captain Charles A. Cameron, Company G, immediately volunteered. Company G, under the command of Major Horace N. Atkinson of the 50th Indiana, advanced toward the Confederates.
They not only recaptured the wagons but also took several Confederate officers prisoner, among them Major John P. Strange, General Forrest's adjutant, and Colonel McKee, his aid [sic]. The wagons were retaken as Colonel Fuller's Ohio Brigade arrived at the battlefield, scattering the Confederates and ending the Battle of Parker's Crossroads.
Supplying the Army: Supplying an army on the march was a tremendous task. There is no record of the number of Union wagons at Parker's Crossroads, but the number specified by the Quartermaster Department was 10 wagons per brigade, plus extras. These included quartermaster, commissary, ammunition and ambulance wagons. Fifteen or more wagons probably accompanied Dunham's brigade. These wagons carried everything an army on the march needed - rations, ammunition, arms, tents, blankets, cooking equipment, lanterns, horse equipment, feed, medical supplies, and more.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 35° 47.064′ N, 88° 23.214′ W. Marker is in Parkers Crossroads, Tennessee, in Henderson County. Marker can be reached from Federal Lane, 0.2 miles east of Tennessee Route 22, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the South Loop Trail about one half mile from its start at the Tour Stop 7 parking lot. 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. Russell & Woodward's Advance (within shouting distance of this marker); 7th Wisconsin Light Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Forrest Averts Disaster (within shouting distance of this marker); The Federal Forces (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Battle of Parker's Crossroads (about 500 feet away); Surprise and Chaos (about 500 feet away); Dunham's Position (about 600 feet away); The Confederate Escape (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parkers Crossroads.
Regarding Union Wagon Train. This marker includes two drawings of wagon trains on the move. One is captioned: One wagoner, Dimmick Layton of the 39th Iowa, was killed trying to protect the wagons.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Additional keywords. Forrest
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2013, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This page has been viewed 627 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on March 10, 2014, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Photos: 1. submitted on May 28, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on January 3, 2013, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.