Meridian campaign

BelligerentsUnited States (Union)Confederate StatesCommanders and leadersWilliam T. ShermanLeonidas PolkUnits involvedArmy of the Tennessee Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East LouisianaStrength 26,847 14,000 (9,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry)Casualties and losses 341 288

The Meridian campaign or Meridian expedition took place from February 14, 1864 – February 20, 1864, from Vicksburg, Mississippi to Meridian, Mississippi, by the UnionArmy of the Tennessee, led by Maj. Gen.William Tecumseh Sherman. Sherman captured Meridian, Mississippi, inflicting heavy damage to it. The campaign is viewed by historians as a prelude to Sherman's March to the Sea (Savannah campaign) in that a large swath of damage and destruction was inflicted on Central Mississippi as Sherman marched across the state and back.

Two supporting columns were under the command of Brigadier GeneralWilliam Sooy Smith and ColonelJames Henry Coates. Smith's expedition was tasked to destroy a rebel cavalry commanded by Major GeneralNathan Bedford Forrest, maintain communications with Middle Tennessee and take men from the defense on the Mississippi River to the Atlanta campaign. To maintain communications, it was to protect the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Coates' expedition moved up the Yazoo River and for a while occupied Yazoo City, Mississippi.