They Met at Lockridge's Mill

Authors

Dieter C. Ullrich

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1997

Abstract

In the twilight hours of May 5th 1862, a lone detachment of Union cavalry calmly dismounted for a brief rest near a small river crossing called Lockridge's Mills in Weakley County, Tennessee. Pickets were organized and sent south from the crossing on the Dresden-Mayfield road as a precaution. As the pickets departed, the rest of the troops unfastened saddles, watered horses and began to prepare supper. Three picket lines were strategically placed along the road, the furthest from the encampment being about a half mile. Not long after the final picket was organized Confederate skirmishers attacked. A line of defense was quickly made but was immediately thrown back. The attacker pressed the outlying pickets and were soon upon the unsuspecting Union encampment. The surprised troops, many of which were still eating dinner, rushed to their horses to counter the charge. Chaos ensued as the overwhelming surge of Confederates infiltrated the camp and scattered the confused soldiers. The fortunate few that were able to find a mount stampeded for the crossing, where a gallant last effort was made on the far side of the river to protect the hasty retreat. The Confederates crossed the bridge, pushed aside the vulnerable rearguard and pursued the refugees into the night. In less than ten minutes, twenty four Union soldiers were killed or wounded and 67 captured.

Recommended Citation

West Tennessee Historical Society Papers, Vol. 51 (1997 Annual Issue), pages 1-20.