Battle of Devil's Backbone

Battle of Devil's Backbone
Part of the American Civil War
DateSeptember 1, 1863 (1863-09-01)
Location35°10′42.6″N 94°18′38.16″W / 35.178500°N 94.3106000°W / 35.178500; -94.3106000
Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Col. William F. Cloud Brig. Gen. William L. Cabell
Units involved
2nd Kansas Cavalry Regiment
6th Missouri Cavalry Regiment
2nd Indiana Light Artillery Battery
1st Arkansas Cavalry Regiment
6th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment
Strength
1,500 1,250
Casualties and losses
16 65
Devil's Backbone
Location within Arkansas

The Battle of Devil's Backbone, also known as the Action at Devil's Backbone, was a military engagement in the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War. Devil's Backbone is a ridge in the Ouachita Mountains approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of Greenwood, Arkansas. The battle was fought on September 1, 1863, in Sebastian County, Arkansas. The Union victory ensured the safety of the Fort Smith garrison until the end of the war.