While driving back from Dyersburg and lunch in Jackson , Tennessee at Las Portales, I made at Pitt stop at Wildersville, TN, just off Interstate 40 at exit 108 to check out Parker's Crossroad Battlefield. This is a great place to check out, especially if you like Civil War History, history enthusiasts, or just looking for a great area for a walk.
On December 31st, 1862, Confederate forces led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, who were moving west, trying to cross the Tennessee River crossed paths with Union Forces led by Col. Cyrus L. Dunham and Col. John W. Fuller, who were attempting to cut Bedford from escaping. The fighting began around 9 a.m., and the battle ensued at Parker's Crossroad. Bedford took advantage at first with laying heavy cannon fire on the Forces led by Dunham. Dunham began to pull back with Confederate frontal assault. Union forces began withdrawing from the field due to the heavy cannon fire and pursuit of Confederate soldiers.
At one point during the Battle Forrest, he sent a messenger to Dunham asking for his unconditional surrender. Dunham refused and repositioned his troops along with the help of Fuller, who began their attack from the North, catching Forrest and his Confederate Army off guard. Forrest found himself trapped and did the inevitable by turning his forces on Fuller repelling them, then turning on Dunham and advanced past his forces crossing the Tennessee River and saving him and his troups to fight another day. The result in the battle resulted in both sides claiming victory, but the Confederate Army resulted in heavier casualties.
Today, the Battlefield offers a self guided tour with providing key points of the battle. The park is open year round and parking can be found near the park. The battle is not one you often find in big battles of the Civil War, but the overall experience of seeing one of the many battlefields in Tennessee is definitely one you'll enjoy. #ridingwithkurt
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