Battle of Poison Spring Facts

Date:

• April 18, 1864

Location:

• Quachita County, Arkansas

Campaign:

• Red River Campaign (Camden Expedition)

Principal Union Commander:

• Colonel James M. Wilson

Principal Confederate Commander:

• Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke
• Brigadier General Samuel B. Maxey

Union Forces Engaged:

• Williams’ wagon train detachment
• 1st Kansas (Colored) Infantry Regiment

Confederate Forces Engaged:

• Marmaduke’s Cavalry Brigade
• Maxey’s Cavalry Brigade

Estimated Union Losses:

• 300+ (killed, wounded, or captured)

Estimated Confederate Losses:

• 114 (killed, wounded, and missing).

Result:

• Confederate Victory

Significant Event:

• After the Battle of Poison Spring, Confederate soldiers mercilessly shot, bayoneted, and scalped defenseless wounded and captive black soldiers serving with the 1st Kansas (Colored) Infantry Division.