Battle of Bean\u2019s Station
\nOther Names: None
\nLocation: Grainger County
\nCampaign: Knoxville Campaign (1863)
\nDate(s): December 14, 1863<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. J.M. Shackelford [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet [CS]<\/p>\n
Forces Engaged: Cavalry Corps, Department of the Ohio [US]; Confederate Forces in East Tennessee [CS]<\/p>\n
Estimated Casualties: 1,600 total (US 700; CS 900)<\/p>\n
Description: Lt. Gen. James Longstreet abandoned the Siege of Knoxville, on December 4, 1863, and retreated northeast towards Rogersville, Tennessee. Union Maj. Gen. John G. Parke pursued the Confederates but not too closely. Longstreet continued to Rutledge on December 6 and Rogersville on the 9th. Parke sent Brig. Gen. J.M Shackelford on with about 4,000 cavalry and infantry to search for Longstreet. On the 13th, Shackelford was near Bean\u2019s Station on the Holston River. Longstreet decided to go back and capture Bean\u2019s Station. Three Confederate columns and artillery approached Bean\u2019s Station to catch the federals in a vice.\u00a0 By 2:00 am on the 14th, one column was skirmishing with Union pickets. The pickets held out as best they could and warned Shackelford of the Confederate presence. He deployed his force for an assault. Soon, the battle started and continued throughout most of the day. Confederate flanking attacks and other assaults occurred at various times and locations, but the Federals held until southern reinforcements tipped the scales. By nightfall, the Federals were retiring from Bean\u2019s Station through Bean\u2019s Gap and on to Blaine\u2019s Cross Roads. Longstreet set out to attack the Union forces again the next morning, but as he approached them at Blaine\u2019s Cross Roads, he found them well-entrenched. Longstreet withdrew and the Federals soon left the area. The Knoxville Campaign ended following the battle of Bean\u2019s Station. Longstreet soon went into winter quarters at Russellville. Their success meant little to Confederate efforts except to prevent disaster.<\/p>\n
Result(s): Confederate victory<\/p>\n
CWSAC Reference #: TN026<\/p>\n
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class D)<\/p>\n
Source:\u00a0 http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/abpp\/battles\/tn026.htm<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"