Battle of Athens (1864)

For other uses, see Battle of Athens (disambiguation).

The Battle of Athens was fought in Athens, Alabama (Limestone County, Alabama), on January 26, 1864,^[1] as part of the American Civil War. The Union force was a company under Captain Emil Adams from the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry regiment. The Confederate force was the 1st Alabama Cavalry, under Lieutenant Colonel Moses W. Hannon.^[2]

Battle of Athens
Part of the American Civil War
Date January 26, 1864 Location Athens, Alabama 34.8033°N 86.9722°W / 34.8033; -86.9722 Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States(Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Emil Adams	Moses W. Hannon
Units involved
9th Illinois Mounted Infantry	1st Alabama Cavalry
Strength
~150	~700
Casualties and losses
~30	~50

On the morning of January 26, 1864, at around 4:00 a.m., ~700 Confederate cavalrymen attacked Athens,^[3] which was being held by a Union force of only 150. Even though the Union defenders had no fortifications and were outnumbered six to one, they were able to repulse the Confederate attack and force them into a retreat after a two-hour battle.^[2]