Bull’s Gap

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Bull’s Gap (1864)

War:

American Civil War

Date(s):

11 Nov 1864 - 13 Nov 1864

Location:

Hamblen and Greene Counties, Tennessee, US

Outcome:

Confederate victory

Description:

Brig. Gen. Alvan C. Gillem, USA
Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, CSA

Union troops were a brigade of Home Guards against Breckinridge’s brigade of regulars.

Union losses were just under 250; Confederate statistics don’t survive.

The Federals initially retired in front of Breckinridge’s advance and, on November 10, were at Bull’s Gap on the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad.
The Confederates attacked them on the morning of the 11th but were repulsed by 11:00 am. Artillery fire continued throughout the day. The next morning, both sides attacked; the Confederates sought to hit the Union forces in a variety of locations but they gained little.

The next day firing occurred throughout most of the day, but the Confederates did not assault the Union lines because they were marching to outflank the Union right. Before making the flank attack, the Union forces, short on everything from ammunition to rations, withdrew from Bull’s Gap after midnight. Breckinridge pursued, but the Federals received reinforcements and foul weather played havoc with the roads and streams. Breckinridge, with most of his force, retired back to Virginia.

Content provided by:
eHistory Staff

Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.

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