Battle of Meridian Facts

February 14–20, 1864

Facts and details about the Battle of Meridian, which was a campaign of destruction carried out against the town of Meridian, Mississippi by Union troops under the command of Major General William T. Sherman from February 14–20, 1864.

Black and white photo of William T. Sherman.

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.” Image Source: Wikimedia.

Facts

Date and Location

  • February 14–20, 1864
  • Lauderdale County, in and near Meridian, Mississippi

Campaign

Principal Union Commanders

Principal Confederate Commanders

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.