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00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.

This Week in the Civil War - 772

During Union General Sherman’s Meridian, Mississippi campaign, a Union flanking column under General William Smith invaded northern Mississippi from Memphis, Tennessee. Smith’s troops were initially successful, destroying rail lines and stores of military foodstuffs but were actively harassed by Confederate cavalry under the command of General Nathan Bedford Forrest. 

On Monday, February 22, 1864 Forrest’s cavalry attacked Smith’s force as the Federals retreated northward toward Memphis, after failing to and link up with Sherman at Meridian. 

At Okolona, a five mile, running fight ensued with numerous attacks and counterattacks, many involving hand to hand combat which took the life of Jeffrey Forrest, the general’s brother.  A complete victory for Forrest, it was a significant defeat for Smith’s Federals.  The engagement at Okolona signaled an end to Sherman’s foray into Mississippi.