The Meridian Campaign, a pivotal Union offensive during the American Civil War, marked a significant step in Major General William T. Sherman’s strategy of total war. Launched in early 1864, this campaign aimed to cripple Confederate infrastructure in Mississippi, specifically targeting the vital railroad hub of Meridian, and disrupt the South’s ability to resupply its armies. Following the decisive Vicksburg Campaign in 1863, Union forces under Major General Ulysses S. Grant had already dealt a severe blow to the Confederacy by capturing Vicksburg and burning Jackson, the state capital. Now, Sherman sought to extend this destruction eastward, further weakening the Confederacy’s hold in the Western Theater and preparing the ground for his later marches through Georgia and the Carolinas.
Sherman’s March on Meridian
On February 3, 1864, Major General William T. Sherman embarked from Vicksburg with his main force of approximately 20,000 Union soldiers, setting his sights on Meridian, Mississippi. This city was not merely a geographic point; it was an immensely important strategic center for the Confederacy, boasting a significant railroad junction, an arsenal, a military hospital, a prisoner-of-war stockade, and various state offices critical to the Confederate war effort. Sherman’s ambitious plan also considered pushing further into Alabama, potentially threatening Selma and even Mobile, if conditions proved favorable.
To support his main thrust, Sherman ordered Brigadier General William Sooy Smith to lead a 7,000-man cavalry force from Memphis, Tennessee. Smith’s directive was to advance south through Okolona, Mississippi, along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and rendezvous with Sherman’s infantry at Meridian. This two-pronged attack was designed to overwhelm Confederate defenses and maximize the destruction of vital resources.
Confederate Response and Retreat
As Sherman’s columns advanced, executing feints towards various other locations to confuse the enemy, Confederate President Jefferson Davis recognized the severity of the threat. He ordered troops from other areas to reinforce the beleaguered region. Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk, the Confederate commander in the area, attempted to consolidate his forces around Mortona. However, facing the superior numbers and aggressive advance of Sherman’s army, Polk ultimately lost his resolve and ordered a rapid retreat eastward, abandoning Meridian to its fate.
Despite some periodic skirmishes initiated by Major General Stephen D. Lee’s cavalry units, Sherman’s main force met increasingly stiff but ultimately ineffective resistance. By February 14, 1864, Polk had fully evacuated Meridian, successfully removing much of the railroad rolling stock to McDowell’s Bluff to prevent its capture. Union troops entered Meridian the same day and immediately commenced their systematic destruction. For five relentless days, until February 19, Sherman’s men meticulously dismantled railroad tracks, burned depots, destroyed Confederate arsenals, and rendered the city’s military infrastructure useless. The devastation was widespread and thorough, embodying Sherman’s emerging philosophy of making war so terrible that it would hasten peace.
Smith’s Delayed Cavalry Expedition and the Battle of Okolona
While Sherman’s main objective in the Meridian Campaign was achieved through the systematic destruction of Meridian, the second critical component of his strategy—Brigadier General William Sooy Smith’s cavalry expedition—encountered significant difficulties. Smith, tasked with leading 7,000 cavalrymen from Memphis, Tennessee, was supposed to start his advance on February 1 and rendezvous with Sherman at Meridian by February 10. However, Smith inexplicably delayed his departure by ten days, waiting for reinforcements that were never explicitly ordered, and only set out on February 10, a full week late.
Smith’s force, advancing south along the Mobile & Ohio Railroad through Okolona, met minimal initial opposition. As they progressed, they engaged in their own campaign of destruction, burning crops and tearing up railroad tracks. The expedition also attracted over 1,000 formerly enslaved people, who sought freedom and protection with the Union columns. Smith’s failure to adhere to the agreed-upon timetable left Sherman concerned about his whereabouts and significantly impacted the overall Union strategy.
Confrontation with Nathan Bedford Forrest
Sherman, having completed his mission in Meridian, departed on February 20, partially motivated by his apprehension regarding Smith’s missing cavalry. Coincidentally, on the same day, Smith’s force neared West Point, approximately 90 miles north of Meridian, and began to engage with Confederate cavalry units at Prairie Station and Aberdeen. Smith soon realized he was up against none other than Major General Nathan B. Forrest, one of the Confederacy’s most formidable and aggressive cavalry commanders. Concerned about the unknown strength of Forrest’s forces and the safety of the civilians traveling with him, Smith decided to consolidate his position at Prairie Station before attempting to move toward West Point on the morning of February 21.
The dawn of February 21 brought renewed hostilities. Colonel Jeffrey Forrest’s Confederate cavalry brigade immediately engaged Smith’s Union forces. The Confederates skillfully drew Smith’s retreating troops into a swampy area west of the Tombigbee River, a challenging terrain that favored defensive maneuvers. As additional Rebel troops arrived, the fighting intensified. Smith, convinced he was falling into a trap and vastly outnumbered, ordered a tactical retreat, leaving a rearguard to hold off the pursuing Confederates. This rearguard bravely resisted for about two hours, buying precious time before executing an orderly withdrawal.
General Nathan B. Forrest himself arrived shortly thereafter and immediately ordered a relentless pursuit. Skirmishes continued throughout the remainder of the day. The climactic engagement occurred on February 22, south of Okolona, on the open prairie. Confederate forces launched a dawn attack, and as more Rebel troops arrived, the Union battleline began to falter, precipitating a full retreat. A running battle ensued for 11 miles, characterized by aggressive attacks and counter-attacks from both sides. Tragically, Colonel Jeffrey Forrest, Nathan B. Forrest’s brother, was killed during one of the fierce Rebel charges.
Ultimately, the Union cavalry broke off the engagement and retreated towards Pontotoc. General Nathan B. Forrest, recognizing that his men were critically low on ammunition, wisely chose not to order a continued pursuit. However, Mississippi militia units harassed Smith’s retreating forces all the way to the state line. Smith’s battered cavalry finally reached Collierville, Tennessee, near Memphis, on February 26.
Outcomes and Aftermath of the Meridian Campaign
The Meridian Campaign, while achieving its primary objective of devastating Confederate infrastructure, was a mixed success for the Union. Major General Sherman’s main force successfully carried out its mission, destroying crucial transportation facilities and rendering Meridian a military wasteland. This destruction significantly hampered the Confederate ability to move troops and supplies through the Western Theater, contributing to the Union’s strategic advantage. However, Sherman’s initial aspirations of pushing further into Alabama and threatening Selma or Mobile were ultimately abandoned due to the complexities and delays encountered by Smith’s cavalry.
Brigadier General Smith’s expedition, intended to complement Sherman’s main thrust, failed to meet its rendezvous and suffered a significant setback at Okolona. His unauthorized delays and subsequent defeat at the hands of Nathan Bedford Forrest demonstrated the formidable challenge posed by Confederate cavalry and highlighted the critical importance of coordinated movements in military campaigns. Although Smith’s forces inflicted considerable damage during their march, the Battle of Okolona forced their early retirement, preventing further strategic contributions and costing the Union approximately 100 casualties compared to 50 for the Confederates.
In conclusion, the Meridian Campaign was a testament to Sherman’s emerging “hard war” tactics, which prioritized the destruction of the enemy’s economic and logistical capacity. While the Union secured a tactical victory in crippling Meridian, the strategic coordination fell short due to Smith’s missteps. Nevertheless, the campaign served as a crucial prelude to Sherman’s later, more famous “March to the Sea,” showcasing the effectiveness of deep raids into enemy territory to undermine Confederate resolve and resources. It demonstrated that even without direct confrontations, the systematic destruction of infrastructure could severely impact the Confederate war effort, bringing the Union closer to ultimate victory.
