Battle of Selma
Selma, Alabama, USA
What happened
About 13,500 Union cavalry under James H. Wilson attacked Selma, defended by Confederates under Nathan B. Forrest and Richard Taylor. During Wilson's raid through Alabama, his cavalry reached the forts around Selma in the afternoon. They attacked late in the day and broke through at several points. By evening the Confederates had given up the inner works and the city.
Why it matters
Selma was an important Confederate arsenal and naval foundry, where warships such as the ironclad Tennessee were built. Union troops spent about a week destroying them.
What came next
Forrest lost over 2,700 men, mostly prisoners. Union troops looted the city that night and spent the next week destroying its arsenal and naval foundry. Wilson's troops moved on to Montgomery, Columbus and Macon, and on 10 May 1865 they captured Jefferson Davis in Irwinsville, Georgia.
Did you know?
Selma was attacked in the last full month of the Civil War.
Timeline
- 1 Apr 1865Union cavalry win at Ebenezer Church.
- 2 Apr 1865Battle of Selma.
- 9 Apr 1865Lee surrenders at Appomattox.
- 10 May 1865Wilson's troops capture Jefferson Davis.