Battle of Nashville Facts, Details, and Timeline

December 15–16, 1864

Facts about the Battle of Nashville, including dates, casualties, participants, who won, and more interesting details you might not know. This fact sheet provides a quick overview of the battle and is for kids doing research and students preparing for the AP U.S. History (APUSH) exam.

General George Thomas, Photograph

General George H. Thomas led Union forces to victory at the Battle of Nashville, which led to the resignation of Confederate General John B. Hood. Image Source: Library of Congress.

Definition

The Battle of Nashville was fought between the United States of America and the Confederate States of America from December 16 to December 16, 1864, during the American Civil War.

Quick Facts

  • Date Started: The Battle of Nashville started on Thursday, December 15, 1864.
  • Date Ended: The fighting ended on Friday, December 16, 1864.
  • Location: The battle took place in Davidson County, Tennessee, near the city of Nashville.
  • Who Won: The United States of America won the Battle of Nashville.
  • Civil War Campaign: The Battle of Nashville was part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign.

Battle of Nashville, African American Troops Defend Fort Negley, Illustration

This illustration depicts United States Colored Troops defending Fort Negley during the Battle of Nashville. Image Source Library of Congress.

Interesting Facts

  • After the Battle of Nashville, Major General George Thomas’ Union army pursued Confederate Lieutenant General John Bell Hood and the Army of Tennessee for ten days as they retreated to Tupelo, Mississippi.
  • After the Battle of Nashville, Confederate Lieutenant General John Bell Hood resigned his command of the Army of Tennessee on January 23, 1865.
  • The Battle of Nashville was the last large battle in the Western Theater of the American Civil War.

Commanders and Forces Involved

Principal Union Commanders

Principal Confederate Commanders

Union Forces Engaged

  • Army of the Cumberland

Confederate Forces Engaged

  • Army of Tennessee

Casualties and Statistics

Number of Union Soldiers Engaged

  • Roughly 55,000

Number of Confederate Soldiers Engaged

  • Roughly 30,000

Estimated Union Casualties

  • 3,061 (387 killed, 2,558 wounded, 112 missing/captured)

Estimated Confederate Casualties

  • 6,000 (1,500 killed/wounded, 4,500 missing/captured)

Results of the Battle of Nashville

  • The outcome of the Battle of Nashville was a Union victory.

Timeline of the Battle of Nashville

This list shows the main battles and events that took place before and after the Battle of Nashville, and how it fits into the chronological order of the Frankin-Nashville Campaign.