Facts
Date and Location
- February 14–20, 1864
- Lauderdale County, in and near Meridian, Mississippi
Campaign
Principal Union Commanders
- Major General William T. Sherman
Principal Confederate Commanders
- Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk
Union Forces Engaged
- Department of the Tennessee
Confederate Forces Engaged
- Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana
Number of Union Soldiers Engaged
- Approximately 26,847
Number of Confederate Soldiers Engaged
- Undetermined
Estimated Union Casualties
- Undetermined
Estimated Confederate Casualties
- Undetermined
Details
- The Battle of Meridian was not actually a battle, because there was no combat action.
- Casualties at the Battle of Meridian are unknown or were nonexistent.
- During his occupation of Meridian, Mississippi while awaiting the arrival of Brigadier General William Sooy Smith’s cavalry, Major General William T. Sherman ordered his troops “to wipe the appointed meeting place off the map.”
- When Major General William T. Sherman left Meridian, Mississippi, he reportedly stated that “Meridian, with its depots, store-houses, arsenal, hospitals, offices, hotels, and cantonments no longer exists.”
- The Battle of Meridian was significant because it provided Major General William T. Sherman with the opportunity to implement and perfect the concept of “total war,” which he would later employ in Georgia and the Carolinas.
Result
The result of the Battle of Meridian was a Union victory.
Timeline of the Meridian Campaign
These are the main battles and events of the Meridian Campaign in chronological order.
- February 14–20, 1864 — Battle of Meridian
- February 22, 1864 — Battle of Okolona