Yellow Bayou
Norwood's Plantation
Civil War Louisiana

American Civil War
May 18, 1864

Major General Nathaniel P. Banks during his retreat in the Red River Campaign, following the battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, reached the Atchafalaya River on May 17. Once on the other side of the river he would be shielded from the continuous Confederate harassment. But, he had to wait to cross the river until the army engineers constructed a bridge.

On the 18th, Banks learned that Major General Richard Taylor's force was near Yellow Bayou so he ordered Brigadier General A.J. Smith to stop them. Since Smith could not comply himself, he ordered Brigadier General Joseph A. Mower to meet Taylor.

The Yankees attacked and drove the Rebels to their main line. The Confederates counterattacked, forcing the Federals to give ground.

The Union force finally repulsed the Confederates. This see-saw action continued for several hours until the ground cover caught fire forcing both sides to retire.

Yellow Bayou was the last battle of Banks's ill-fated Red River Expedition, and it insured that the Federals would escape as an army to fight again.

Result(s): Union strategic victory

Location: Avoyelles Parish

Campaign: Red River Campaign (1864)

Date(s): May 18, 1864

Principal Commanders: Brigadier General Joseph A. Mower [US]; Major General Richard Taylor [CS]

Forces Engaged: 1st and 3rd Divisions, XVI Army Corps [US]; District of Western Louisiana [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 860 total (US 360; CS 500)


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Sources:
U.S. National Park Service
U.S. Library of Congress.