First Battle of Memphis

Significance

The First Battle of Memphis, fought on the Mississippi River immediately north of the city on June 6, 1862, resulted in a crushing defeat for Confederate forces and the virtual eradication of a Confederate naval presence on the river. The engagement was witnessed by many citizens of Memphis, giving the defeat immediate public visibility. Despite the lopsided outcome—Confederate casualties reached 180—the Union Army failed to grasp the battle's strategic significance at the time. Its primary historical importance lies in a different sphere: it was the last engagement in which civilians with no prior military experience were permitted to command ships in combat, making it a milestone in the development of professionalism in the United States Navy.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (3)