After Forrest defeated Union forces at Athens and Fort Henderson, he moved north along the railroad with the intent to destroy the strategic trestle at Sulphur Creek, six miles north of Athens.
There, Union forces had erected to blockhouses and fortifications. There were 928 Union troops defending it including the 111th USCT and the 9th Indiana Cavalry under Col. Ely Lilly. Rifle pits connected the various defenses.
Forrest surrounded the fort and had 8 pieces of artillery against the Federals 2 cannons. Outnumbered and outgunned, Lilly surrendered.. Forrest burned the fortification and Union losses were 200 killed and 720 captured.
Union prisoners were transferred to Confederate prisons and many of them died on April 27, 1865, when they were returning home and on board the tragic SS Sultana.
--Old Secesh
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